We have no intentions to fight with Ethiopia, says Somalia leader

MOGADISHU, Somalia- President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintains Somalia does not have immediate plans to go to war with neighbouring Ethiopia, which he accuses of intending to 'grab our land' after a controversial agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland.

In an interview with Al Arabiya, Hassan Sheikh maintained that an amicable resolution can be reached, adding that the outcome must not violate the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia. He said the country can only attack if things go 'wrong'.

“We have no plans or intentions to go to war with Ethiopia at present, but if things change, we will have to react then”, President Mohamud said.

The President said in the interview that he considers the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland “is a violation of international law and the world order.” He had left Egypt for Qatar when he made the sentiments.

President Hassan Sheikh said, “Somalia is a member of the Arab League and has the right to obtain support to defend itself if there is a need, but so far there is no need for that.” Somaliland, he said, remains part of Somalia.

The president said the ongoing controversy created by Ethiopia by intending to acquire 20 kilometres of Red Sea, was destructive, adding that the matter will not sway the country from dealing with Al-Shabaab militants, who are fighting to topple the government.

“We do not want to divert our focus from the war on the “Al-Shabaab terrorists,” adding: But these militias are now exploiting the MoU between Ethiopia-Somaliland to call for the recruitment of young people to join the extremists under the pretext of the return of the “Crusaders.”

Hassan Sheikh stressed that his country “so far” is working “within the framework of international law and the international system,” adding: “We sent a message to the United Nations Security Council to look into the matter because of the danger it represents and its impact on global security.”

Many countries have backed Somalia in the conflict with Ethiopia, arguing that Addis Ababa was wrong to sign an agreement with Somaliland, which is not internationally recognised. Ethiopia is fighting to access the Red Sea for its naval base and port.

GAROWE ONLINE