On September 28, 2024, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre condemned Ethiopia for “flagrantly violating” Somalia’s territorial integrity after Ethiopia announced plans to lease coastal land in Somaliland to build a naval base. Barre’s remarks at the UN General Assembly highlighted Somalia’s rejection of Somaliland’s independence and warned of military actions against Ethiopian troops in the region, amid rising tensions fueled by military agreements with Egypt.
On September 28, 2024, during a session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of Somalia explicitly condemned Ethiopia for actions he described as “flagrantly violating” Somalia’s national sovereignty. This statement followed Ethiopia’s unexpected announcement of plans to lease a section of coastline within the self-declared independent region of Somaliland to establish a naval base and commercial port. Since Ethiopia’s proposal was first revealed in January, the region has been on high alert. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has historically aspired to gain direct access to the sea; however, the Somali government vehemently opposes any recognition of Somaliland’s independence, a status declared by the region in 1991, which has received minimal international validation. Prime Minister Barre declared, “Somalia currently faces a serious threat from Ethiopia’s recent actions which flagrantly violate our territorial integrity.” He further emphasized the unlawfulness and unnecessary nature of Ethiopia’s actions under the pretext of achieving maritime access. In contrast, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie defended the country’s decision, arguing that such agreements have been made by other nations and stated, “There is no reason for the government of Somalia to incite hostility that obviously intends to cover internal political tensions.” Somalia’s government has retaliated against Ethiopia’s strategies by threatening the expulsion of Ethiopian troops currently serving in Somalia for an African Union mission combating Al-Shabaab insurgents since 2007. In a strategic maneuver, Mogadishu has also entered a military agreement with Cairo, which has included the transfer of weaponry, raising concerns among Ethiopian officials about the potential for these arms to be acquired by Al-Shabaab. As the African Union mission approaches a revision by the end of the year, Egypt has offered to assume the duties of the Ethiopian forces for the first time. Somalia is contemplating additional measures to expel approximately 10,000 Ethiopian troops stationed along the shared border, which were deployed to prevent incursions by extremist groups. This escalating tension signifies a potential shift in regional dynamics, fueled by both Somalia’s security considerations and Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions.
The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is increasingly complicated due to the longstanding tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly regarding the self-declared independence of Somaliland. Since Somaliland’s declaration in 1991, Somalia has consistently rejected its claims, leading to a lack of international recognition for the region. Ethiopia’s desire for maritime access has driven its interest in leasing coastal land, igniting fears of territorial infringement in Somalia. Moreover, the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia as part of an African Union mission adds a layer of complexity to the political and military stakes in the region.
In summary, the declaration made by Somalia’s Prime Minister at the United Nations highlights a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, driven by Ethiopia’s coastal leasing plans and Somalia’s firm stance on preserving its territorial integrity. The situation remains tense as Somalia considers military and diplomatic options to counter Ethiopian actions, all while navigating the intricate implications of regional security involving groups like Al-Shabaab. The evolving circumstances underscore the fragile nature of peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
