Somalia has accused Ethiopian forces of launching a deadly attack on its troops in the Jubaland region, escalating tensions just days after both nations signed a cooperation pact in Ankara. The incident, which took place on Monday in Doolow, reportedly resulted in six casualties, including three Ethiopian soldiers and three Somali federal forces, as Somali federal troops clashed with Ethiopian forces stationed in the area.
Somalia’s foreign ministry stated that Ethiopian troops targeted three Somali security bases, leading to fatalities. The Somali government condemned the attack, calling it a breach of the Ankara Declaration and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, emphasizing that such actions would not be tolerated.
Jubaland officials provided a different account, claiming that Ethiopian forces intervened to protect a regional delegation. Jubaland Security Minister Yusuf Hussein Osman stated that Somali federal troops were ordered to fire at an aircraft carrying state officials, which led to clashes.
Witnesses described intense fighting that spread across Doolow, with pro-Jubaland forces ultimately overpowering Somali federal troops after Ethiopian forces intervened.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Somalia’s federal government and its semi-autonomous regions, particularly Jubaland, where election-related disputes persist. Despite recent agreements such as the December 12 Ankara Declaration, efforts to improve relations face significant challenges. Ethiopia’s involvement, initially aimed at combating militants, now risks further destabilizing the region.
The recent effort to ease tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia may be unraveling after Somalia accused Ethiopia of violating their agreement. On Monday, the Somali government claimed that Ethiopian forces launched an “unprovoked and unexpected” attack on Somali forces in Doolow, causing fatalities and injuries among Somali personnel.
According to the Somali foreign ministry, Ethiopian troops attacked three Somali security positions at 10 am on Monday in Doolow, a border town with Ethiopia. Somalia condemned the attack as a “blatant violation” of the Ankara Declaration, which was signed on December 11 to resolve tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The clash in Doolow involved Somali government and Jubaland forces. The town, located in the Gedo region, has seen tensions between the federal government and Jubaland forces, particularly over control of strategic areas. Multiple sources reported that the arrival of a governor appointed by Jubaland’s leader sparked opposition from Somali federal forces, leading to a gunfight that left at least three people dead and seven others injured, including civilians.
Jubaland has issued a statement blaming Somali forces for attacking the airport, police station, and district headquarters, with the statement holding Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accountable for the loss of life. The statement did not address the involvement of Ethiopian forces, who have a significant presence in Doolow.
This marks the second clash between Somali federal forces and Jubaland in southern Somalia this month, with previous fighting breaking out in Raskamboni on December 11. The conflict stems from the recent election of Jubaland leader Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe), which the Somali government rejected as illegal.
On the same day as the Doolow incident, Somalia sent a high-level delegation, led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar, to Addis Ababa. The visit is intended to strengthen bilateral ties with Ethiopia, in line with the objectives of the Ankara Declaration, and explore transformative opportunities for mutual respect and cooperation.