Friday July 26, 2024
Local militiamen in central Somalia inspect part of the seized weapons, including machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades, allegedly originating from Ethiopia. The seizure has heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia amid ongoing accusations of illegal arms smuggling.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Ethiopia has again rejected accusations from Somali officials that it is involved in smuggling weapons across their shared border. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed dismay over what it described as "unwarranted and irresponsible" accusations from the Somali government.
"Ethiopia has been sacrificing in the service of peace and stability of the brotherly people of Somalia for more than three decades," the Ministry said in a statement on Friday. "Ethiopia, rather, preferred the path of patience and positive engagement for the common good of our peoples," the Ministry emphasized.
The already strained relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia deteriorated further after militiamen seized two truckloads of weapons in central Somalia on July 15. The incident near Abudwak resulted in at least 12 deaths, including two soldiers. The weapons, which included machine guns, anti-aircraft weapons, and rocket-propelled grenades, allegedly originated from neighbouring Ethiopia.
In response to the seizure, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened an emergency National Security Council meeting. The council emphasized the importance of strict arms control laws and banned the sale and trade of firearms by non-state actors. Additionally, the Ministry of Internal Security was tasked with submitting a detailed report on illegal weapons smuggling.
"These weapons would have ended up in al-Shabab's hands if not for the residents' intervention," said MP Malik Abdalla, a Somali lawmaker.
The UN lifted its decades-long arms embargo on Somalia in December 2023. Critics, including Puntland's Interior Minister, Abdi Farah Said Juha, argue that it has increased arms proliferation and regional instability. Somaliland has also echoed these concerns, urging the international community to reconsider the decision.
Ethiopia said it is dedicated to combating terrorism and illegal arms trafficking. "Ethiopia will continue to stand on the side of the brotherly people of Somalia to fulfill their aspiration for sustainable peace, stability, economic development, and regional cooperation," the Ministry stated.
Diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been torpedoed following a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland earlier this year. The agreement, which includes port access and the establishment of an Ethiopian naval base in exchange for recognition of Somaliland's independence, has been a significant point of contention. Somalia views the MoU as a violation of its sovereignty. The deal has led to heightened tensions, with the Somali government rejecting the MoU and accusing Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity.