Thursday July 25, 2024
FILE - Hirshabelle's Minister of Internal Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Guure Karore
Beledweyne (HOL) — Hirshabelle's Minister of Internal Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Guure Karore, addressed concerns about the most recent influx of Ethiopian troops into the Hiiraan region.
Karore confirmed that the Hirshabelle administration was aware of the troop movements and stated that they are related to the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from the ATMIS operation in the Mahas district. "As we were informed, the Ethiopian troops that crossed the Feerfeer border include both ATMIS forces and additional troops to support their activities," Karore said. He added that the troops' presence is to ensure the safe passage of the departing ATMIS forces through Hiiraan.
Residents of Hiiraan have expressed significant anxiety over the presence of Ethiopian troops. The heavily armed soldiers, accompanied by several military vehicles, have spread out to various areas, including Jawil, Beergadid, Oomad, and Qabno. This incursion marks the second time Ethiopian forces have entered the region within a month. Despite widespread concerns, there has been no official statement from the Federal Government of Somalia or the Hiiraan regional administration regarding these troops.
Somalia expects all Ethiopian troops to leave by the end of 2024, coinciding with the expiration of the ATMIS mandate. Somali National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh-Ali emphasized that Ethiopian troops would not be part of the new African Union forces planned to secure critical installations in Somalia starting in January 2025. This decision follows the controversial January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia leasing rights to the Red Sea coastline in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's independence. Somalia has vehemently rejected this MoU, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to the Hirshabelle administration, the presence of an estimated 6,000 Ethiopian soldiers has raised many questions, given the substantial increase compared to the 500 ATMIS troops that have already left the country. Somali officials fear that the sudden absence of Ethiopian troops could create security vacuums that al-Shabab militants might exploit. The potential withdrawal or reconfiguration of these forces has Somali regional officials, particularly in Jubaland and South West State, concerned about the impact on their security.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been actively seeking political and military assurances against Ethiopia in response to the perceived threat to Somalia's territorial integrity. Somalia has formally accused Ethiopian troops of unauthorized border crossings and has filed allegations with the United Nations regarding these incursions.
Minister Karore mentioned that Hirshabelle and local officials had communicated with the Ethiopian forces, who assured them of their peaceful transit. "They arrived yesterday, and if they leave today, there is no need for special notification. Their mission is complete, and they are expected to depart," the minister added.