Mogadishu, Somalia In a surprising and unprecedented move, the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has declared Ethiopia the first enemy of Somalia, further escalating tensions between the two neighboring nations.
The announcement came during a press conference held at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu, where President [Last Name] expressed strong concerns over Ethiopia’s alleged interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and its perceived support for rival factions within the country.
President Mohamud accused Ethiopia of undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and fostering instability through its involvement in regional conflicts. He stated, “It is with a heavy heart that I must declare Ethiopia the first enemy of Somalia. Their interference in our internal matters has gone too far, and we can no longer tolerate it.”
The president pointed to recent incidents and intelligence reports that suggest Ethiopia has been supporting armed groups in various regions of Somalia, contributing to the protracted conflict and hindering efforts for peace and stability.
Ethiopian officials swiftly responded to the accusations, denying any involvement in Somalia’s internal affairs. In a statement released by the Ethiopian government, they expressed regret over President Mohamud’s remarks, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to regional peace and stability.
The international community has taken note of the escalating tensions between the two nations and called for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the issues. The African Union and other regional organizations have expressed concern and urged both countries to engage in peaceful negotiations to address their differences.
The United Nations Secretary-General released a statement calling for restraint and dialogue. “It is crucial for both Somalia and Ethiopia to prioritize diplomatic solutions to address their concerns. The international community stands ready to facilitate discussions that will promote stability in the region.”
As tensions continue to rise, neighboring countries, international organizations, and concerned nations are closely monitoring the situation, hopeful that diplomatic channels will be pursued to prevent further deterioration of relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The declaration by President Mohamud has added a new layer of complexity to the already intricate geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa, with implications that may extend beyond the borders of the two nations. The coming weeks are likely to see increased diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
