Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske refuted Somalia’s allegations regarding a controversial agreement with Somaliland, claiming they are unfounded and based on misinformation. He urged Somalia to address terrorism instead of inciting hostility and criticized Egypt’s military support for Somalia, which he deemed reckless.
Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Taye Atske, has declared that the accusations made by Somalia against Ethiopia regarding a controversial agreement with Somaliland are baseless. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Minister Atske criticized Somalia’s narrative of the situation, asserting that it is rooted in misinformation and an effort to distract from its internal political issues. He emphasized that the agreement is aligned with existing political arrangements in the region and is intended to foster shared growth and prosperity. The agreement, which would grant Ethiopia a 20-kilometer stretch of access to the Red Sea for a military base and port in return for recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty, has met significant opposition from the Somali government. In light of this, Minister Atske urged Somalia to concentrate on combating terrorism, calling for collaborative efforts to eliminate terrorist organizations that pose threats within the region. Adding to the complexity, Egypt recently dispatched its second military aid shipment to Somalia, which has included heavy artillery and armored vehicles. This move, part of a defense pact signed in August 2024, has raised suspicions in Ethiopia and Somaliland regarding potential escalations in military tensions.
The political relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been strained by various factors, particularly concerning issues related to territorial integrity and sovereignty. The current allegations stem from a controversial agreement that Ethiopia has reached with Somaliland, a self-declared state that has not received international recognition. The implications of this agreement potentially allow Ethiopia to secure a strategic access point to the Red Sea, which is central to its economic and military ambitions. The involvement of additional external actors, such as Egypt, which has increased military support for Somalia, further complicates the dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, Minister Taye Atske has firmly rejected Somalia’s allegations regarding Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, characterizing them as unfounded and an attempt to deflect from Somalia’s internal challenges. The agreement aims to promote economic collaboration, despite its contentious nature with the Somali government. Minister Atske’s call for regional cooperation against terrorism underscores the broader security challenges facing both countries.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
