According to remarks made on Universal TV on September 12, there has been a sharp increase in tensions since Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, implied that Ethiopia might back rebels inside Ethiopia if it moves forward with implementing a contentious agreement with Somaliland.
Fiqi’s comments are in response to a memorandum of understanding that Somaliland and Ethiopia signed earlier this year. In exchange for Ethiopia potentially recognizing Somaliland’s independence, Ethiopia is granted access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s coastline. Given that Somalia views Somaliland as a part of its territory, Somalia is strongly against this move.
“There is an option to have contacts with armed rebels in Ethiopia or rebels that are fighting against the Ethiopia regime – if it continues this, to have contact with them is an option open to Somalia, it’s a door open to us,” Fiqi stated, though he also expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution. “But still, we have not reached that stage, there is a hope there will be a solution.”
When questioned about specific plans to engage with groups like the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Fiqi mentioned, “We discussed that, but at this time the collapse of Ethiopia is not in the interest of Somalia and the Horn of Africa region. But if they continue to support those opposing Somalia and with the secessionist groups they have signed agreements with, it’s an option for us.”
Somalia’s position has significantly changed as a result of this statement, which could exacerbate regional instability. To these threats, the Ethiopian government has taken action.
The remarks made by Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister regarding Ethiopian rebel support were criticized by Nebiyu Tedla, Ethiopia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union, who called them “comical” and charged them with prioritizing narrow clan interests over the advancement of the country.
De-escalation and respect for Somalia’s sovereignty have been called for by the international community, which includes the United Nations and the African Union.
Both countries are negotiating a complicated web of historical hostilities and regional alliances, so the situation is still unstable. The resolution of this impasse may have a significant impact on the stability of the Horn of Africa.
