Saturday 14 Sep 2024 {HMC} Citizens reports on social media from sources with Mogadishu to Mogadishu seem to suggest that the Hassan Sheik Mohmmed government is taking a more radical stance against Ethiopia and even moving in the direction of making claims of Ethiopian territory in Ogaden as part of Somalia.
But the U.S. is reportedly expressing optimism that the tension will be resolved diplomatically. According to the VOA Amharic report, the United States is working with its partners (unspecified) in that direction.
Richard Riley, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, cited as saying “in the current situation his country is working in collaboration with others in search of a diplomatic solution.”
According to the Ambassador, the U.S. and its partners are approaching the Federal government in Somalia and the government in Addis Ababa.
The Ambassador also made a reference to the Turkish initiated talks between Ethiopia and Somalia. “The next one will be started in a few days, ” he said.
Asked if the situation could lead the two countries (Ethiopia and Somalia) to war, the Ambassador said “no.” He added “let alone war, no one accepts the chance for the outbreak of any conflict. That is why the international community and all are relentlessly working to resolve the issue. The effort of the United States is to find a solution for the situation between Ethiopia and Somalia. ”
From the VOA Amharic report, it seems that the United States wants the resolution of the tension between the two countries quickly. “The absolutely necessary issue is this. It should happen quickly and now,” Ambassador Richard H. Riley is quoted as saying.
Last month, Somalia signed a defense pact with Egypt, which is deploying 10,000 troops in Somalia. There were reports in social media this week that Ethiopian forces controlled some airports in Somalia but the Ethiopian government has not confirmed or denied it
Somalia and Ethiopia have a history of conflict and hostility. The recent one developed in January 2024 when Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding.
The arrangement was for Ethiopia to get access to 20 kilometers of coastal land for maritime and commercial purposes on a fifty year rental basis. In return, Ethiopia is to recognize Somaliland – a breakaway region that existed as a de facto state for over 33 years – as an independent state.
The finalization of the arrangement was meant to be completed within one month after the MoU agreement. It took longer than that.
Somaliland authorities this week announced the agreement is finalized but it is not made public.
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