Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a statement, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen expressed growing concerns over recent arms shipments to Somalia, particularly following a defense agreement between Somalia and Egypt. The statement reflects Ethiopia’s unease over the potential destabilization in the Horn of Africa, especially as these military supplies could allegedly fall into the hands of terrorist groups or exacerbate existing conflicts.
The Foreign Ministry’s concerns come on the heels of reports that Egyptian military equipment arrived in Mogadishu, marked as the initial step in implementing a security deal between Cairo and Mogadishu. This agreement, shrouded in secrecy, has led to speculation about its implications for regional stability, especially given Ethiopia’s troubled relations with both Somalia and Egypt.
Ethiopia has highlighted its vigilant monitoring of the region, suggesting that such arms transfers could not only endanger Ethiopia’s national security but also contribute to broader instability. The statement underscored Ethiopia’s position that it “cannot stand idle while other actors take measures to destabilize the region,” pointing to the complex interplay of alliances and rivalries in the Horn of Africa.
The tension between Ethiopia and Somalia has been further complicated by Ethiopia’s pursuit of a sea access deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which has been met with strong opposition from the Somali federal government. This move by Ethiopia, seen as an attempt to bypass its landlocked status, has inflamed nationalistic sentiments in Somalia, contributing to the heightened military posturing between the two nations.
Ethiopian officials have also cited the ongoing dispute with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as another flashpoint, where Ethiopia’s water resources policy clashes with Egypt’s historical rights to the Nile waters. Against this backdrop, the arms shipments to Somalia are viewed by Addis Ababa not just as a military concern but as a strategic realignment that could alter the regional power dynamics.
Somalia’s Ambassador to Cairo, Ali Abdi Aware, has defended the arms deal, indicating that it aims at bolstering Somalia’s defense capabilities post the African Union’s peacekeeping mission withdrawal scheduled for the end of the year. However, the Ethiopian government’s statement today suggests a deep skepticism about the real intentions behind these military enhancements.
The situation remains fluid, with Ethiopia advocating for dialogue and diplomatic solutions to resolve the myriad of disputes that threaten peace in the Horn of Africa. Meanwhile, regional observers are watching closely, fearing that the arms shipments could indeed escalate tensions, potentially leading to unintended confrontations or an arms race in an already volatile region.
Horn Life
