(23-02-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia on Friday declared the nation’s readiness to defend itself against any Ethiopian military intrusion tied to the contentious maritime agreement with Somaliland, escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement to Reuters, President Mohamud underscored the government’s resolve, saying, “We will defend ourselves in every possible way if the Ethiopian troops enter the country to implement the maritime agreement.” The specific strategies Somalia would employ in response to such incursions remain unspecified.
The dispute centres on a deal between Ethiopia and the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland, which the Somali government deems an infringement on its sovereignty. President Mohamud has steadfastly refused to engage in talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed until the agreement is annulled.
Despite the escalating situation, the Somali president has not signalled any intention to demand the withdrawal of the 3,000 Ethiopian soldiers currently stationed in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). These forces are tasked with supporting peacekeeping operations and the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab. Nonetheless, a letter from Somalia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations criticised the Ethiopian ATMIS contingent for purportedly compromising their peacekeeping integrity.
Reports indicate a partial withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Kismayo under the ATMIS exit strategy, amidst allegations of dissatisfaction with financial agreements and a cessation of official cooperation with Somali authorities since 2019.
The Somali president also linked Ethiopian military engagements in the country with a spike in Al-Shabaab recruitment, citing the enlistment of up to 8,000 fighters in January alone, attributed to the unrest precipitated by the external military presence.
Amid these developments, Somalia has entered a maritime defence pact with Turkey, though details of the agreement and the potential involvement of Turkish forces in Somalia’s defence remain under wraps.
Halqabsi News
