A deadly clash erupted in Doolow between Somali and Ethiopian forces just days after a peace deal intended to resolve ongoing disputes. Somalia accused Ethiopian troops of attacking its bases, while Jubaland officials claimed the attack was an intervention to protect local leaders. The incident jeopardizes a recent agreement brokered by Turkey amid long-standing tensions over territorial control and sovereignty violations.
In a serious escalation of tensions, Somali forces have accused Ethiopian troops of launching a deadly assault on their positions in the border area of Doolow, mere days after both nations struck a deal meant to alleviate ongoing disputes. According to a statement from the Somali foreign ministry, the Ethiopian military targeted three bases belonging to Somalia’s army, police, and National Intelligence and Security Agency, resulting in unspecified casualties. However, officials from Jubaland state contend that Ethiopian forces intervened to shield local politicians during the conflict, which has been simmering over control of key territories between Jubaland and the Somali federal government.
The confrontational incident reportedly began when federal forces were ordered to fire upon an aircraft carrying a Jubaland delegation that included prominent state lawmakers and officials. Following the escalation, clashes ensued, during which Jubaland security minister Yusuf Hussein Osman indicated that federal forces were disarmed and suffered injuries. Local sources noted that Ethiopian troops stationed at the airstrip sided with pro-Jubaland forces, leading to a broader altercation throughout Doolow. Tensions have been exacerbated recently as Somalia’s semi-autonomous regions frequently contest authority with the central government based in Mogadishu.
This clash has raised significant concerns regarding the stability of a peace agreement mediated by Turkey, which was reached less than two weeks prior to the incident. The underlying issue originated in January when Ethiopia made an agreement with Somaliland to lease coastal land for a port and military base—an action deemed a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. Following high-level discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara, an accord was established, aiming to provide Ethiopia with alternative seaside access. However, the Somali foreign ministry has since condemned Monday’s event in Doolow as a violation of this agreement, vowing that Somalia will not tolerate infringement upon its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The current crisis between Somalia and Ethiopia derives from longstanding territorial and diplomatic disputes that have been exacerbated by recent agreements and military engagements. Somalia’s federal structure includes several semi-autonomous regions that have historically contested power with the central government, often complicating governance and stability within the nation. This particular conflict escalated from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland for leasing coastal resources, which Somalia interpreted as an infringement on its territorial rights. The recent peace deal, facilitated by Turkey, was intended to resolve these disputes, but it has faced immediate challenges following the renewed violence in Doolow.
The violent engagement between Somali and Ethiopian forces underscores the fragility of diplomatic resolutions in a region marked by historical tensions. Despite recent agreements aimed at fostering cooperation and addressing territorial disputes, the allegations of Ethiopian aggression post-deal threaten to destabilize any progress made. With Somalia’s government expressing strong opposition to perceived violations of its sovereignty, the future of bilateral relations remains uncertain, hinging on effective conflict resolution and adherence to previously agreed-upon terms.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
