Religious scholars call for calm amid Somalia-Ethiopia conflict

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Religious leaders who held a government-organized meeting in Mogadishu have called for calmness while condemning the agreement signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland, which they insist violates Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, along with international laws.

The scholars, while insisting that the country shall defend its sovereignty, called for unity and calmness, noting the benefits of close collaboration with other stakeholders in rescuing the country from the threats of aggression and disrespect.

The clerics stressed the importance of protecting Somalia's values from impending aggression and infringement of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ethiopia wants 20 kilometers of the access to Red Sea, an idea opposed by Somalia.

Somalia, they added, has a right to seek cooperation with friendly nations, sighting the recent close cooperation with Egypt on matters of security and defence. Egypt donated weapons to Somalia and has dispatched seamen and airmen to the Horn of Africa nation.

“We cannot accept this violation of our country’s sovereignty by Ethiopia. It is our religious duty to defend the independence and unity of Somalia,” one cleric stated.

They also called on all Somalis to stand firm in defending their country against any external threats, including those from Ethiopia, and any other entities with malicious intentions. Somalia and Ethiopia last had a strained relationship during the 1977 war.

Ethiopia insists that access to the sea is vital for its economic emancipation but Somalia questions the legality of striking a deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region fighting for statehood. Ethiopia pledged to in return, recognise Somaliland.

GAROWE ONLINE