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Somalia Accuses Ethiopia Of 'Interference'

By AFP - Agence France Presse
December 6, 2024

Somalia on Friday accused Ethiopia of interfering in its southern Jubaland region, the latest upset in a nearly year-long bitter dispute between the two nations.

The neighbours have been at loggerheads since landlocked Ethiopia in January struck a deal with Somalia's breakaway region Somaliland to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base in exchange for recognition, although this has not been confirmed by Addis Ababa.

Conflict-weary Somalia is a federation of five semi-autonomous member states -- Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South West -- and a central government in Mogadishu.

The Somali accusation also comes shortly after Jubaland re-election of former warlord Ahmed Madobe, much to the chagrin of central government which had hoped to align the polls with future nationwide elections.

A statement from Somalia's Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism claimed that Ethiopian forces were moved towards Bulohawo district in southern Gedo on Friday, before being "confronted by local communities and the armed forces" who stopped the advance.

"The Somali government strongly condemns the damning acts the Ethiopian government is carrying in the Gedo region to start conflict among the clans in the area," the ministry said.

"This is part of the interference of the Addis-Ababa administration against the sovereignty and unity of Somalia," it added.

It said while the country was open to "peaceful co-existence", the Ethiopian moves would "create fresh conflicts in the region".

Somalia was prepared "to defend its independence and sovereignty," it said, urging the international community to condemn the alleged movements.

Addis Ababa has made no comment on the allegations. AFP has contacted authorities for comment.

Somalia Accuses Ethiopia of Deploying Troops to Beled Hawa
December 6, 2024
1 min read

The Somali government has expressed strong opposition to the reported deployment of Ethiopian troops to Beled Hawa, a border city in Somalia’s Gedo region.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have described the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They have called on the international community to condemn Ethiopia’s actions and address the escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries.

This development follows ongoing disputes over border security and political influence in the region.

Ethiopia’s actions are likely to strain relations with Somalia further.

Particularly, this could happen amid existing concerns raised by Somalia over Ethiopia’s controversial agreements and regional security maneuvers.

Both nations are key players in the Horn of Africa, and heightened tensions could destabilize efforts for regional cooperation and peace.
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Somali Government Accuses Ethiopia of Interference and Inciting Community Clashes in Gedo Region
By
Abdiqani Abdullahi
December 6, 2024
2 Min Read
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Mogadishu (SONNA) – The Federal Government of Somalia has issued a strong condemnation against the Ethiopian government, accusing it of inciting community clashes in the Gedo region as part of its interference in Somalia’s independence and sovereignty.

In a statement released today, the Somali government detailed the events that occurred this morning when Ethiopian troops from the Doolow district advanced towards the Bulo Xaawo district. The Ethiopian forces were met by local residents and the Somali Armed Forces, who successfully blocked their advance.

The Somali government emphasized its commitment to good neighborliness and peaceful coexistence, but highlighted a recurring pattern of conflict instigation by the Addis Ababa administration, which it views as actions undermining Somali independence.

“The Federal Government of Somalia is always ready for good neighborliness and peaceful coexistence,” the statement read. “However, the Addis Ababa administration has a habit of creating conflicts in the region and taking measures against the independence of Somalia.”

The government affirmed its readiness to defend Somalia’s sovereignty and called on the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, to condemn Ethiopia’s actions, which it described as detrimental to both regional and international peace.

“The Federal Government of Somalia is ready to defend its independence and sovereignty and calls on the international community, led by the United Nations and the African Union, to condemn these heinous acts by Ethiopia, which undermine regional and international peace”.