Somalia Alleges Ethiopian Arms Supply to Puntland, Claims Sovereignty Breach

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali government has issued a sharp condemnation against Ethiopia, accusing it of sending “unauthorized arms shipments” to Puntland, a move Mogadishu says undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and threatens regional security. In a statement released by Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials reported that two lorries carrying weapons from Ethiopia to Puntland were documented without any prior diplomatic clearance or official engagement with the federal government.

“This is a clear violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity,” the ministry’s statement read, calling for the immediate cessation of such shipments. Somalia has urged the international community to take a stand, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent further destabilization in the Horn of Africa. “We demand an immediate halt and urge our international partners to stand with us in supporting peace efforts,” the statement continued, signaling Somalia’s concerns over potential escalations in the region.

The alleged arms transfer comes at a delicate time for Somalia, as tensions between Puntland and the federal government remain high. Puntland, a federal member state in northeastern Somalia, has not yet issued a formal response to the accusations. Relations between Puntland and the federal government have been strained for years, with Puntland’s forces primarily focused on combating militant groups such as Al Shabab and ISIS, which have maintained a presence in the mountainous areas of Galgala and parts of the Bari region.

Puntland has expressed dissatisfaction over the years, citing a lack of federal support in its fight against terrorism. As one regional analyst noted, “This statement from the federal government reflects the deteriorating ties between Somalia and Ethiopia at a time when Mogadishu is fully aware that Puntland has received little to no federal support in its ongoing battle against terrorist groups.”

Recently, there have been reports of a separate arms shipment from Ethiopia, allegedly reaching civilian areas near the Somalia-Ethiopia border. According to sources, the shipment was arranged with the involvement of individuals who are closely aligned with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration.

Puntland’s continued military efforts against terrorist factions, despite a lack of federal support, have been a significant point of contention. The forces in the region remain active in combating extremist threats, while federal officials stress the importance of maintaining sovereignty and preventing external interference.

The Somali government is now calling on international partners to aid in stabilizing the region, stressing that unauthorized arms movements, such as those allegedly coming from Ethiopia, pose a serious risk to peace in the Horn of Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE