Tuesday September 10, 2024
FILE - Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has strongly opposed Ethiopia's alleged attempts to claim Somalia's territorial waters or enforce a disputed agreement with Somaliland, stating that his government will not accept any such moves.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Hamza declared that Ethiopia is pursuing two potential courses of action: seizing a portion of Somalia's waters by force or pushing through a maritime agreement it reached with Somaliland. Both strategies, the prime minister said, will fail under his administration.
"Ethiopia wants to either take our waters by force or force us to accept an agreement they made with Somaliland. Neither will succeed," Prime Minister Hamza said.
The PM further stressed Somalia's right to form alliances with any country it deems beneficial to its national interests, dismissing concerns that such partnerships indicate hostility toward neighbouring states.
"We, as Somalis, have every right to seek support from Arab nations or any other allies. If they offer their help, it doesn't mean we are preparing to attack another country," Hamza clarified in response to reports about external troop deployments.
The prime minister also criticized certain Somali politicians, accusing them of fostering internal division. He called for national unity and urged all Somali citizens to defend the country's sovereignty in the face of external threats and internal discord.
"Every leader, politician, and citizen has a duty to protect our country. Those who try to divide us through tribalism or other interests are enemies of Somalia," Hamza asserted.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have rapidly deteriorated in recent months following Ethiopia's contentious agreement with Somaliland in January, which allows Ethiopia access to Somaliland's coastline. The deal, which includes the possibility of a naval base and recognition of Somaliland, has been condemned by Somalia as a breach of its sovereignty, as Somaliland is considered part of Somalia's territory.
In addition, Ethiopian forces have reportedly taken control of key airports in Somalia's Gedo region, including Luuq, Dolow, and Bardhere, sparking concerns and mobilization of militia groups in the area. The military maneuver coincides with heightened fears over Ethiopia's ambitions in Somalia's maritime territory and the Somali federal government's plans to bring Egyptian troops into the region near the Ethiopian border.
PM Barre's comments come as regional leaders, including the South West State, expressed support for the continued presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia.