Somalia is accusing Ethiopia of “invasion,” while Ethiopia demands easing hostile rhetoric

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president of Somalia, has accused Ethiopia of attempting to “annex Somali territories” in spite of Ethiopia’s request for a reduction in hostile rhetoric and the escalating tensions. He has stated that Somalia will use “legal and extra-legal means” to maintain its sovereignty.
According to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Ethiopia took Somali territory—a claim that is still pending—and now has aspirations to acquire more.
He went on to say that Somalia will not permit Ethiopia to occupy its coastline, according to local media, which cited official media.
Additionally, the president stated that Somalia will oppose any plans Ethiopia has to get access to the sea, pointing out that such a move would “undermine” and cause “disharmony” with regard to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Days prior, Ambassador Taye Atskeselassie, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, had reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unshakeable commitment to peace despite “hostile rhetoric” from “certain Somali officials.”
The Foreign Minister said, “Ethiopia is open to dialogue, but in order to facilitate constructive negotiations, we require a respectful environment free from provocative statements.”
After Ethiopia and Somaliland signed an agreement on January 1, 2024, granting Ethiopia access to the sea in return for Somaliland’s recognition, tensions in the Horn of Africa have escalated.
Reports that Egypt has sent military commanders and heavy equipment to Somalia have complicated the situation; some media claim that up to 10,000 Egyptian soldiers may be involved.
Citing a lack of parliamentary approval, lawmakers from Somalia’s South West State, which borders Ethiopia, released a statement on Sunday denouncing the agreement reached by the presidents of Somalia and Egypt in Cairo two weeks ago.
In a statement delivered by Health and Nutrition Minister Abdirishid Mohamed Jilley, the members of Parliament expressed concern that the agreement would result in a “dangerous situation.”
They contended that the agreement might have the greatest effect on the people of the South West State and could “bring the ‘Nile issue’ to Somalia” and “can lead to a war in the Horn of Africa.”
Then, without giving a reason, Somalia’s President said that Special Envoy for Health and Nutrition Abdirishid Mohamed Jilley was fired.
Furthermore, according to media sources, Villa Somalia allegedly started a resolution in the Federal Parliament to revoke the legislative immunity of 25 MPs who represent the South West State.
These legislators are charged with supporting demonstrations in Hudur and Wajid that opposed Egypt’s military deployment there and favored the presence of Ethiopian troops in the region.