(10 Sep 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – Ethiopian troops have reportedly taken control of all airports in Somalia’s Gedo region, including strategic airfields in Luuq, Dolow, and Bardere. This move comes amidst heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, sparked by a controversial maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which granted Ethiopia access to Somali waters.
The Somali federal government has expressed strong opposition to the agreement and has announced its intention to replace thousands of Ethiopian troops currently stationed in Somalia with Egyptian soldiers. The Ethiopian government responded by deploying armoured troops to the border, further escalating the situation.
The recent signing of a military agreement between Somalia and Egypt, which will see 10,000 Egyptian soldiers deployed to Somalia as part of a new peacekeeping operation, has added another layer of complexity to the situation. The Somali government has stated its preference for Egyptian troops over Ethiopian forces in the peacekeeping mission, citing concerns over Ethiopia’s alleged violation of Somali sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s military action in Gedo will likely exacerbate the already strained relations between the two countries. The situation remains volatile, with both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions.
Halqabsi News
