Somali PM accuses Ethiopia of violating territorial integrity

On Friday, Somalia's Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre expressed strong condemnation of Ethiopia's recent actions, which he claims threaten Somalia's territorial integrity. This statement came in response to Ethiopia's announcement of plans to lease a coastal area from Somaliland, a region that declared independence in 1991 but is not internationally recognized. The situation escalated when Ethiopia indicated intentions to construct a naval base and commercial port in the disputed area, raising alarms in Mogadishu. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has long sought access to the sea, and Barre characterized the move as an unlawful attempt to annex Somali territory. In his address at the UN General Assembly, he emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by Ethiopia's actions. Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie dismissed Barre's accusations, suggesting that similar agreements have been made by other countries and accusing Somalia of inciting hostility to distract from internal political issues. In retaliation, Somalia has threatened to expel Ethiopian troops who have been part of an African Union mission against Al-Shabaab militants since 2007. Additionally, Somalia has entered into a military agreement with Egypt, which has raised concerns in Ethiopia regarding the potential for arms to reach Al-Shabaab. The African Union mission is set for a transition at the end of the year, with Egypt offering to replace Ethiopian forces. The ongoing tensions highlight the fragile relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly regarding territorial disputes and security concerns in the region. The situation remains precarious as both nations navigate their political and military strategies amidst rising tensions.