Saturday 7, Dec 2024 {HMC} A tense standoff unfolded Saturday in Somalia’s Gedo region as Somali forces and local residents blocked Ethiopian troops from advancing into the border town of Buulo Hawo, a hotspot in the ongoing struggle for regional control and sovereignty.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Ethiopia of orchestrating an “illegal incursion” after its troops departed the nearby town of Doolow and attempted to enter Buulo Hawo. The ministry described the move as part of Addis Ababa’s broader strategy to destabilize the region and undermine Somalia’s sovereignty.
“This action represents yet another violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity, stoking divisions among clans in Gedo,” the ministry said in a statement published by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA). Ethiopian officials have yet to respond to these allegations.
The incident underscores the fragile dynamics in Gedo, where Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration have been vying for control. Jubaland’s President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, better known as Ahmed Madobe, maintains strong ties with Ethiopia, adding a layer of complexity to the crisis.
Reports from the ground indicate that Jubaland Security Minister Yusuf Hussein Osman (known as Dhuumaal) was a key figure in Saturday’s events. Federal forces had reportedly been negotiating with Dhuumaal to defect from Ahmed Madobe’s administration. However, tensions escalated when federal troops learned Dhuumaal had moved towards Doolow with his forces.
Dhuumaal, aware of federal troops pursuing his convoy, sought assistance from Doolow’s District Commissioner Mohamed Hussein Abdi (Lafeey), who enlisted Ethiopian troops to secure the minister’s safety. The Ethiopian reinforcements, accompanied by Jubaland fighters, moved swiftly to intercept federal forces, forcing them to retreat.
Ethiopian forces operating in Gedo are a mix of troops under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and others directly commanded by Addis Ababa. Their dual role has fueled speculation about Ethiopia’s intentions, with Somali officials accusing the neighbouring country of exploiting local divisions to assert influence.
Residents in Buulo Hawo reported a growing Ethiopian military presence, with reinforcements arriving in the region to bolster Jubaland-aligned troops. Observers note that this buildup risks escalating tensions in an already fragile area.
The standoff in Gedo is emblematic of the strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia. Earlier this year, diplomatic ties were tested when Ethiopia signed a contentious MoU with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region unrecognized by Mogadishu. Somali officials viewed this move as an affront to their sovereignty.
Gedo’s strategic significance has made it a focal point in Somalia’s internal power struggles. While many local officials in Buulo Hawo now align with the federal government, others remain loyal to Ahmed Madobe, underscoring the region’s deep political fractures.
Somali authorities have reiterated their demand for all Ethiopian troops not aligned with ATMIS to leave the country by the end of this month as part of a transition to a new African Union-led mission. Whether Addis Ababa will comply remains uncertain.
