Tensions Rise Between Somalia and Ethiopia; UN Calls for Peaceful Dialogue
Washington— During a pivotal week for Somalia’s security blueprint, dialogues in Washington and New York highlighted the pressing necessity for readiness ahead of the African Union Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Rising friction between Somalia and Ethiopia over Ethiopia’s maritime accord with North Western State of Somalia has stirred the pot, capturing the attention of global stakeholders.
Somalia is on the verge of finalizing the lineup for the fresh AUSSOM, with the current African Union mission wrapping up soon.
Hussein Moalim, national security advisor of Somalia, affirmed unequivocally Somalia’s stance regarding Ethiopian troops’ involvement in the new initiative.
“Somalia won’t entertain Ethiopian forces in the new mission unless Ethiopia retracts from the unlawful pact made with North Western State of Somalia earlier this year,” Moalim revealed in an interaction with VOA Somali on Thursday.
The contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has set the stage for discord between the neighboring countries by offering Ethiopia a 20-kilometer strip of the Red Sea coastline in exchange for possibly acknowledging North Western State of Somalia’s quest for independence.
Viewed as a breach of its autonomy and territorial sanctity, Somalia considers the January MoU a significant affront, leading to diplomatic ripples that include booting the Ethiopian ambassador from Mogadishu and threatening the pullout of Ethiopian troops dotted across the southern and central areas of the nation.
Despite mediation attempts in Turkey yielding zilch, Ali Omar Balcad, Somalia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, contends meaningful conversations begin with addressing sovereignty encroachment and rebuilding trust.
“The primary task is resolving the infringement on our sovereignty. Second, mending diplomatic relations. Then, we can talk about Ethiopia’s wish to access our coasts,” Balcad shared with VOA Somali.
UN encourages peaceful dialogue
In the halls of New York, discussions within the U.N. Security Council spotlighted Somalia’s security situation, drilling home the imperative of cementing the new African Union peace mission plans.
Dialogue spotlighted the heating rift between Somalia and Ethiopia, with James Swan, acting special envoy of the secretary-general, appealing to both countries for amicable solutions under international law.
Ambassador Robert Wood, the U.S. envoy for special political doings, chimed in, stressing the harmful influence such tensions wield on regional safety.
“Folks, we are mighty worried about the swelling discord between Ethiopia and Somalia, which casts a shadow on our shared security goals,” Wood voiced.
In congregations held in Washington, Somali officials alongside representatives from merry old USA, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the UK harped on the urgency of settling funding options for the brand-new peacekeeping endeavor.
Moalim underscored international allies’ promise to buttress Somalia’s pursuit of peace, security, and national sovereignty.
“Our companions vowed unwavering support for Somalia’s government in its quest for stability and security across the land,” he mentioned.
Ethiopia refutes Somalia’s charges
Reporting to the U.N. Security Council, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi accused Ethiopia of exploiting the anti-terrorism fight to cloak territorial ambitions.
“For clarity, Ethiopia’s claim of being here to tackle terrorism is just a facade for expansion,” Fiqi insisted. Somalia intercepted three illegal arms shipments from Ethiopia over the last quarter, puffing up local clashes and fueling extremist factions.
“Such actions stand patently as a transgression against our nation’s sovereignty,” he added.
Ethiopia has been on the defensive, continually denying all of Somalia’s allegations, including the intention of its arrangement with North Western State of Somalia.
At the previous monthly jamboree of the U.N. General Assembly, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Taye Atske-Selassie dismissed any involvement in Somalia’s complaints.
“The agreement with North Western State of Somalia is anchored in Somalia’s existing political landscape,” he affirmed.
“Our ambition is regional prosperity and communal growth. Similar deals have been struck by other nations. It’s unfounded for Somalia to stir animosity which seems aimed at masking internal political squabbles. I utterly deny the baseless accusations against Ethiopia.”
Falastin Iman in Washington contributed to this narrative, which originated from VOA’s Somali Service.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
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