Sunday September 15, 2024
FILE - Ethiopia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nebiyu Tedla, addresses the media at a press conference in Addis Ababa.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Ethiopia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the African Union, Nebiyu Tedla, has disparaged recent comments by Somalia's Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, as "comical." Tedla's dismissal came after Fiqi warned that Somalia might align with Ethiopian opposition forces, including the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), if Ethiopia continues its agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared republic seeking independence from Somalia.
"It's comical to witness Al-Shabaab agents posing as government officials, who are unable to function effectively outside of Banadir babbling hollow nationalism, driven by narrow clan centralization," Tedla stated on his X account. "Such will only undermine years of progress and lead Somalia into the pit." Tedla accused Fiqi of prioritizing clan interests over national progress, further intensifying the diplomatic rift between the two nations.
Tedla's comments were made in direct response to Fiqi's warning that Somalia might consider supporting Ethiopian rebel groups if Addis Ababa continues with actions that Somalia deems hostile, particularly its agreement with Somaliland. In an interview with local Universal TV, Fiqi outlined the option of Somalia establishing contacts with armed groups opposing the Ethiopian regime.
Fiqi stressed that while the option to support these groups is currently open, Somalia has not yet taken that step. Fiqi's remarks came in light of Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland, which has been a central point of contention. Under the agreement, Ethiopia recognizes Somaliland's independence in exchange for a 50-year lease of 20 kilometres of seashore for a naval base. Somalia condemned the deal as an infringement on its sovereignty. In response, Somalia has forged a defence and security agreement with Egypt, a strategic rival of Ethiopia, raising concerns in Addis Ababa. Reports of Egyptian military aircraft delivering aid to Mogadishu have fueled Ethiopia's fears of Egyptian military involvement in Somalia after the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) ends in December 2024.
The United States has intervened to mediate the growing rift. Mike Hammer, U.S. Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, met with Ethiopian officials to discuss regional security. Hammer has repeatedly reaffirmed U.S. support for Somalia's territorial sovereignty and urged both nations to focus on combating Al-Shabaab.
Despite previous diplomatic efforts, two rounds of talks have failed to resolve the dispute. A third round was scheduled for later this week in Ankara, but it has reportedly been postponed.