(08 Dec 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Ethiopia’s direct involvement has further destabilised the fragile relationship between Somalia’s federal government and the Jubbaland regional administration, exacerbating a diplomatic crisis already fuelled by disagreements over a maritime accord.
High-ranking Ethiopian officials landed in Kismayo, Jubbaland’s transitional capital, aboard a military aircraft on Saturday for closed-door talks with President Ahmed Madobe. Sources indicate the discussions aim to address mounting tensions between Jubbaland and the federal government, which opposes Madobe’s re-election and views Ethiopia’s actions as a violation of Somali sovereignty.
Reliable reports suggest Ethiopia has invited Jubbaland’s First Vice President, Mohamud Sayid Adan, to Addis Ababa. Madobe is also expected to meet with Ethiopia’s top leadership to strengthen ties and secure support for his administration amid federal opposition.
This growing alignment between Jubbaland and Ethiopia has alarmed Mogadishu. Ethiopian forces have reportedly bolstered their presence in Somalia’s Gedo region, with troops deployed in key districts, including Dolow, Luuq, and Beledhawo. Observers say this move has heightened tensions within local communities and intensified divisions.
The federal government has condemned Ethiopia’s actions, accusing it of undermining Somalia’s unity and sovereignty. Mogadishu has also criticised the deployment of Ethiopian troops without prior consultation, describing it as a deliberate effort to exploit internal divisions. In response, federal forces have been mobilised to reinforce their presence in Jubbaland, raising fears of potential military confrontations.
This standoff comes against broader geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, where regional rivalries often influence internal Somali politics. Analysts warn that the escalating situation risks plunging Jubbaland into deeper instability and could derail efforts to achieve national reconciliation and security.
Halqabsi News
