Somalia’s foreign minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has suggested that Somalia may support Ethiopian rebel groups if Ethiopia continues its agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty. In January 2024, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland that would see Ethiopia recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange for a naval base. Fiqi stressed that while Somalia hasn’t taken this step yet, supporting Ethiopian rebels remains an option if Ethiopia does not desist from its current course of action. Relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, historically turbulent, have worsened since the Somaliland deal. However, Ethiopia’s representative to the African Union, Nebiyu Tedla, dismissed Fiqi’s comments, calling them a setback to regional progress. Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Mike Hammer has urged both nations to resolve their differences peacefully, emphasizing their shared interest in combating al-Shabab.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS
Somalia Weighs Backing Ethiopian Rebels
