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Ethiopia and Somalia engaged in high-level talks on Tuesday to address tensions stemming from a deadly clash in the Somali border town of Doolow. The meeting aimed to preserve a fragile détente between the two countries after recent hostilities threatened to derail ongoing peace efforts.
Clash in Doolow Raises Tensions
The confrontation occurred on Monday in Jubaland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia. Reports from local sources suggest Ethiopian forces intervened to protect Jubaland politicians from an attack by Somali federal troops. Somali officials, however, condemned the presence and actions of Ethiopian forces, accusing them of violating Somalia’s sovereignty.
Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar, voiced these concerns during a meeting with Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mesganu Arega. Somalia’s government issued a statement expressing its “protest and condemnation” over the incident, which it viewed as unwarranted interference.
Ethiopia Denies Wrongdoing
Ethiopia’s foreign ministry issued a counterstatement, denying any misconduct and attributing the incident to “third parties” seeking to destabilize the Horn of Africa. While Ethiopia did not specify who these actors might be, it emphasized its commitment to maintaining regional peace and adhering to agreements like the Ankara Declaration.
“The Ethiopian government values and upholds its commitment to revitalizing and deepening fraternal relations between the two countries in the spirit of the Ankara Declaration,” the statement read.
Jubaland’s Allegations of Federal Aggression
The Jubaland state government has provided a different narrative, claiming Somali federal forces attempted to shoot down a plane carrying its politicians. Ethiopian troops stationed at the Doolow airstrip allegedly intervened to prevent this attack, escalating tensions further.
Jubaland has long experienced friction with Somalia’s federal government, complicating efforts to unify the country’s political landscape.
Ankara Declaration Under Threat
The incident threatens the Ankara Declaration, a peace agreement brokered by Turkey earlier in December. Signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the declaration marked a significant step toward resolving longstanding tensions.
The agreement granted landlocked Ethiopia access to Somalia’s coastline while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity. This deal followed nearly a year of diplomatic and military disputes triggered by Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region seeking independence.
Efforts to Preserve Peace
Despite Monday’s clash, both Ethiopia and Somalia have reiterated their commitment to the Ankara Declaration. Somalia’s foreign ministry emphasized the importance of “harmonizing efforts for the full implementation” of the agreement. Ethiopia echoed this sentiment, expressing a desire to move past the incident and deepen bilateral ties.
The talks on Tuesday sought to address immediate concerns while preventing further escalation. Both parties acknowledged the importance of dialogue in maintaining regional stability and fostering cooperation.
Regional Dynamics Complicate Peace Efforts
The Horn of Africa remains a geopolitical hotspot, with external actors like Egypt and Turkey influencing the region’s delicate balance. Egypt has recently strengthened ties with Somalia through military agreements and regional pacts, raising questions about its role in the current tensions.
Jubaland’s strategic location and semi-autonomous status add another layer of complexity. The region’s leadership often clashes with Somalia’s federal government, creating challenges for unified governance.
Looking Ahead
As Ethiopia and Somalia work to address the aftermath of the Doolow clash, maintaining the momentum of the Ankara Declaration will be critical. Both nations must navigate internal and external pressures to preserve peace and foster mutual development.
The international community will be watching closely to see whether these efforts succeed in stabilizing one of Africa’s most volatile regions.