Ethiopia has denied Somalia’s accusations of an attack in Doolow, blaming destabilizing elements for the incident. Somalia condemned the Ethiopian troops’ involvement, describing it as an unprovoked act of aggression. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the Ankara Declaration and enhancing bilateral relations in the context of ongoing peace efforts.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has firmly rejected Somalia’s allegations of involvement in a recent border incident at Doolow, describing the claims as unfounded and instead attributing the unrest to external forces seeking to destabilize regional relations. Issued on December 24, the statement condemned the actions of those deemed “perennial spoilers of peace in the region” and emphasized the need to uphold the principles outlined in the Ankara Declaration that promotes peace between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The tension escalated with Somalia’s accusation of an “unprovoked and unexpected attack” launched by Ethiopian troops against Somali security forces and bases, resulting in casualties. Somalia characterized this as a serious breach of the Ankara Declaration, especially troubling given the country’s ongoing peace initiatives with Ethiopia.
Ethiopia reiterated its commitment to collaboration with Somalia’s federal government to avoid future conflicts and enhance the cooperative spirit fostered by the Ankara Declaration. The backdrop to these hostilities included reports of clashes between Somali federal troops, Jubaland forces, and Ethiopian patrols in the region, intensifying concerns over national sovereignty and ongoing peace processes.
In the wake of these events, Somalia has cautioned against further violations while reinforcing its commitments to diplomacy and security cooperation. Ethiopia reaffirmed its dedication to improving bilateral relations as a key facet of enhancing stability in the Horn of Africa region, signaling an ongoing commitment to the path laid out by the Ankara Declaration.
The strained relationships between Ethiopia and Somalia have been historically marked by various incidents and conflicts, often fueled by external influences and longstanding regional issues. The Ankara Declaration, established to promote cooperation and peace between the two nations, serves as a framework to address mutual concerns and strengthen diplomatic ties. Recent accusations and counterclaims have raised alarm regarding the potential for renewed hostilities and the fragile state of peace efforts already in progress.
In conclusion, the recent exchange of allegations between Ethiopia and Somalia highlights the volatile nature of regional relations and the persistent challenges to peace in the Horn of Africa. Both countries have expressed a commitment to uphold the Ankara Declaration, yet the incidents at Doolow illustrate the need for ongoing dialogue and proactive measures to mitigate conflicts. The situation remains delicate, requiring careful navigation to sustain efforts aimed at fostering stability and collaboration going forward.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
