20 February 2024
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia are exploding after Somalia’s UN Ambassador, Abukar Osman, declared a controversial sea access deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland a “declaration of war.”
In a fiery address to the UN Security Council, Osman accused Ethiopia of plotting to annex Somali territory to establish a military base, raising fears of a major conflict in the Horn of Africa.
The details of the agreement remain murky, but Somaliland reportedly grants Ethiopia access to a seaport and a naval base in exchange for possible recognition of their independence. While Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed downplays the deal’s significance and denies any intention to fight Somalia, his assurances fail to soothe simmering anger in Mogadishu.
Osman warns that Ethiopia’s actions risk emboldening extremist groups like al-Shabaab and disrupting vital international trade routes. He further criticizes the African Union for its perceived inaction in the face of a blatant violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The UN Security Council expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions and urged both nations to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue. However, with no visible signs of rapprochement and continued accusations flying, the region waits with bated breath to see if diplomacy can prevail or if the simmering conflict boils over into an all-out war.
