In a new statement, the Somali government accused Ethiopia of sending two plane-loads of weapons to Kismayo, amid political differences between the Somali government and Jubaland leaders over the recent controversial election held in Kismayo. There has been no immediate reaction from Ethiopia. “The Somali government has strongly condemned Ethiopia’s actions aimed at destabilizing Somalia, citing blatant violations of international law and Somalia’s sovereignty. It reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and issued a stern warning to those aiding Ethiopia’s aggression.”
Somalia on Friday accused Ethiopia of interfering in its southern Jubaland region, the latest upset in a nearly year-long bitter dispute between the two nations. The neighbors have been at loggerheads since landlocked Ethiopia in January struck a deal with Somalia’s breakaway region Somaliland to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base in exchange for recognition, although this has not been confirmed by Addis Ababa.
Conflict-weary Somalia is a federation of five semi-autonomous member states — Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West — and a central government in Mogadishu.
The Somali accusation also comes shortly after Jubaland re-election of former warlord Ahmed Madobe, much to the chagrin of the central government, which had hoped to align the polls with future nationwide elections.
A statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism claimed that Ethiopian forces were moved towards Bulohawo district in southern Gedo on Friday, before being “confronted by local communities and the armed forces” who stopped the advance.
“The Somali government strongly condemns the damning acts the Ethiopian government is carrying out in the Gedo region to start conflict among the clans in the area,” the ministry said.
“This is part of the interference of the Addis Ababa administration against the sovereignty and unity of Somalia,” it added.
It said while the country was open to “peaceful coexistence,” the Ethiopian moves would “create fresh conflicts in the region.”
Somalia was prepared “to defend its independence and sovereignty,” it said, urging the international community to condemn the alleged movements.
Addis Ababa has made no comment on the allegations. For the 4th time this year, Somalia accuses Ethiopia of smuggling weapons into Somalia to support regional administrations.
In July, the Somali government reported that its security forces had seized two truckloads of weapons brought over the border from Ethiopia by weapons traders.
Around the same period, Somalia alleged Ethiopia delivered weapons to Baidoa.
In September, Somalia reported Ethiopia shipped weapons to Puntland.
And now Somalia alleges Ethiopia dispatched weapons to Kismayo on December 7.
Ethiopia on July 26 denied earlier accusations. Ethiopia has yet to respond to the accusations in September and the recent one.