Somalia's allegations against us are unfounded, says Ethiopia's FM

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie speaks at a press briefing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Aug. 30, 2024. Atske Selassie has called for joint efforts among countries in the Horn of Africa to fight al-Shabaab in Somalia. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)

NEW YORK - The government of Ethiopia laments that Somalia is on an international onslaught against it over the controversial agreement with Somaliland, terming the approach as 'unfair and inappropriate' and that the allegations are based on 'misinformation'.

Taye Atske, Ethiopia's Foreign Affairs minister, said the allegations by Somalia are unfounded adding that Somalia is attempting to “cover internal political tensions” by inciting “hostility.” He was speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The agreement with Somaliland, he narrated, is “based on the existing political arrangement in Somalia” and aims to promote “shared growth and prosperity in the region.” He also noted that “similar agreements have been concluded by other states.”

“I, therefore, reject the baseless allegations leveled against my country,” Ambassador Taye stated, adding, “Ethiopia’s name can never be associated with any of these accusations.”

Once effected, the agreement would see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea for the construction of a military base and port in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. The arrangement does not sit well with Somalia.

Complicating the situation further, Egypt recently sent its second military aid shipment to Somalia, including heavy artillery and armored vehicles. This delivery, part of a defense pact signed between Egypt and Somalia in August 2024, has raised concerns in Ethiopia and Somaliland, Addis Standard reports.

Atske asked Somalia to focus on addressing terrorism, calling for collaboration to “eliminate terrorist groups that are causing chaos and mayhem among the people of the region.”

Ambassador Taye’s remark came in response to a speech by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, who accused Ethiopia of actions that “flagrantly violate” Somalia’s territorial integrity.

“Somalia is currently facing a serious threat from Ethiopia’s recent actions, which flagrantly violate our territorial integrity,” Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said during his address to the General Assembly.

“Ethiopia’s attempt to annex part of Somalia under the guise of securing sea access is both unlawful and unnecessary,” he added.

About Egypt, Taye urged these external actors to “immediately cease their reckless actions” and called on the international community to recognize the “imminent risk” posed by such activities.

GAROWE ONLINE