Ethiopia terms Somalia plane crash "terrible", backs FGS's ability to investigative cause

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Just over 30 hours after Monday's plane crash in Bardale, southern Somalia, Ethiopia released a statement terming the accident "terrible", amid mounting accusations against its troops of downing the aircraft.

Registered under African Express Airways, the aircraft Embraer 120-5Y AXO crashed minutes from landing at Bardale airport, which is manned by ENDF. Six people among them three Kenyans died on the spot according to authorities in Southwest.

Sources within the region claimed the aircraft was brought down by a Rocket Propelled Grenade [RPG], with some accusing the Ethiopian troops of pulling the trigger. The reports could not be verified independently.

But amid the mounting pressure, Addis Ababa termed the accident "unfortunate" in a rare statement, adding that "we've learned the incident with deep sorrow". The statement was released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While expressing "deep regret" to the incident, the Ethiopian government insisted that "investigations into the accident underway by the competent authorities of the federal government of Somalia".

"The government of the federal democratic republic of Ethiopia would like to extend it's deepest condolences to the families and friends of the deceased in this terrible accident," added the statement.

This comes just hours after Somalia President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo held a telephone conversation with his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta, promising "solid" investigations into the crash. Kenya, Farmajo added, was "free" to join the probe.

Due to the mystery surrounding the incident, Kenya had termed the crash "unclear" and demanded "in-depth and honest" investigations. Humanitarian agencies, Nairobi added, should be extremely careful while operating in the war-torn nation.

The small cargo plane was carrying medical supplies and mosquito nets to the region as part of cushioning residents due to the coronavirus pandemic that has since left 36 people dead in Somalia. Muse Bulhan, a Kenyan aviation entrepreneur was the owner, Garowe Online established.

Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, a former Somalia president claimed that he was aware of the "external" hand into the accident, adding that it exposed danger to Somalia airspace which is the most "popular" domestic transport mean.

"I deplore this heinous act and offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in that abhorrent accident," he said. "I appeal for a transparent investigation to identify the criminals and share the outcome with the public."

On Tuesday, AMISOM backed joint investigation by Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopian authorities, saying that "we are ready to facilitate". Top officials from the three nations visited the crash site but did not issue any statement.

While multiple sources point an accusing finger to ENDF, the probably of Al-Shabaab unleashing cannot be ruled out given the militants also control sections of Bardale. But the Al-Qaida linked group is yet to issue a statement, contrary to its norms.

ENDF troops have often been entangled in controversies including its raid in sections of Southwest and Jubaland in the pretext of fighting Al-Shabaab. The troops, opposition leaders argue, are keen to help FGS topple "unfriendly" regional leaders.

This approach has put it at loggerheads with Kenya Defense Forces [KDF], which mans sections of Jubaland. For instance, the ENDF and FGS are against Kenya's traditional support to Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe, a move which has often triggered tensions in Gedo.

Lt. General Tigabu Yilma, an Ethiopian, is the AMISOM force commander. Despite mounting accusations against the ENDF, the general, who visited Baidoa last week, is yet to clear claims that non-AMISOM Ethiopian troops have been crossing over to Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE