Somalia FM: Conflict with Ethiopia's Govt, Not People

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, reiterates that the country's main concerns rest with the government of Ethiopia, absolving the people of the Horn of Africa nation, who he lauded as 'respectful and progressive'.

During a meeting with Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) Chief Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, Fiqi maintained that the government of Ethiopia was assaulting Somalia’s sovereignty.

Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland that grants her access to the Red Sea for the construction of a military base and port in exchange for recognition of the breakaway region as a sovereign state, contrary to international laws.

During a joint press conference in Mogadishu with Workneh, he emphasized that the conflict is not with the Ethiopian people but with the government in Addis Ababa, signaling a willingness for diplomatic resolution while safeguarding Somalia's sovereignty.

"Foreign Affairs minister Fiqi emphasized that while there are no issues between the Somali and Ethiopian people, the Addis Ababa regime poses a threat to Somalia and regional security," state media reports.

Previously, Fiqi had threatened support for Ethiopian rebels if the agreement was enforced, highlighting potential escalation if diplomacy fails. In return, Ethiopia dismissed his sentiments, terming him 'an Al-Shabaab mouthpiece' further escalating tensions.

Turkey is actively involved in mediation talks between the two countries but the first two rounds of talks flopped. The intended meeting scheduled for September 17th (tomorrow) has been postponed after the two parties maintained their hard stances.

Regional tensions have topped the agenda in both the African Union and IGAD, triggering a series of shuttle diplomatic missions aimed at the restoration of peace, stability, and cooperation. Somalia wants Ethiopia to revoke the MoU before further deliberations.

GAROWE ONLINE