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Somalia has accused Ethiopian forces of launching a deadly attack on its troops in Jubaland’s Doolow region, escalating tensions just days after the two countries signed a peace agreement aimed at resolving longstanding disputes. The Somali Foreign Ministry confirmed the incident occurred on Monday morning at an airstrip in the border town of Doolow, where federal forces were stationed.
The ministry’s statement described the attack as targeting bases manned by the Somali National Army, police, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency. While no exact death toll was provided, reports from local officials indicated fatalities and injuries on both sides.
Federal vs. Jubaland Forces
The clash highlights ongoing disputes between Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration. According to Jubaland Security Minister Yusuf Hussein Osman, the confrontation began when federal troops allegedly received orders to shoot down an aircraft carrying Jubaland state officials, including legislators, cabinet members, and the state governor.
“This incident unfolded after federal forces opened fire on the aircraft. A firefight ensued, leading to the intervention of Ethiopian troops stationed at the airstrip,” said Osman during a press briefing in Doolow. He added that Ethiopian forces intervened to protect the Jubaland delegation and overpowered Somali federal troops in the subsequent conflict.
Local residents corroborated these accounts, describing intense fighting that spread throughout the town. “The pro-Jubaland forces gained the upper hand after Ethiopian troops joined the fray,” said Mohamed Hassan, a resident of Doolow.
The Role of Ethiopian Forces
Ethiopian forces stationed in Jubaland are part of the African Union’s ongoing efforts to combat Islamist insurgents, particularly the Al-Shabaab militant group. However, Monday’s incident suggests their involvement has extended into local political disputes, further complicating Ethiopia’s role in Somalia’s internal conflicts.
Somalia’s federal government condemned the Ethiopian intervention, stating it violates the Ankara Declaration, a peace agreement brokered earlier this month to address escalating tensions between the two nations.
Peace Accord Under Threat
The clash puts the recently signed Ankara Declaration at risk. The agreement, facilitated by Turkish mediation, was intended to resolve disputes that began when Ethiopia signed a controversial deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland included plans for a port and military base in exchange for recognition, a move Somalia viewed as an affront to its sovereignty.
The December 12 peace accord saw Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pledge cooperation, with Ethiopia securing alternative sea access through Somalia. However, Somalia’s Foreign Ministry warned on Monday that Ethiopia’s actions undermine the fragile peace.
“These actions constitute a blatant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said in a statement. “The Somali Federal Government will not remain silent in the face of such aggression.”
Impact on Regional Stability
The renewed conflict underscores the broader instability in the Horn of Africa, where disputes over territorial sovereignty and political control frequently lead to violence. Somalia, a federation of semi-autonomous states including Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and South West, has struggled to maintain unity amid competing interests from regional and international powers.
Monday’s incident also raises concerns about Ethiopia’s role in Somalia. While Addis Ababa has been a key player in anti-terror efforts, its involvement in local political disputes risks exacerbating divisions and undermining the African Union’s mission to stabilize the region.
Future of the Ankara Declaration
The Ankara Declaration, once seen as a breakthrough in Somali-Ethiopian relations, now hangs in the balance. If Somalia and Ethiopia cannot navigate these latest challenges, the deal’s promises of cooperation and mutual respect may dissolve, further destabilizing the region.
The Somali government has called for international intervention to address Ethiopia’s actions, urging the African Union and other partners to reaffirm Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Conclusion
The Doolow clash reveals the fragile nature of peace agreements in a region fraught with political, territorial, and security challenges. As Somalia and Ethiopia navigate this latest crisis, the international community will play a crucial role in mediating and ensuring the Ankara Declaration’s goals are not lost to renewed violence.