Ethiopia warns against invasion as tensions rise with regional neighbors. PM Abiy Ahmed stresses the nation’s readiness to defend itself. Somalia reacts to Ethiopia’s pact with Somaliland by strengthening ties with Egypt, amid ongoing disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Egypt plans troop deployments to Somalia, further complicating regional dynamics.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has issued a stark warning to potential aggressors, advising them to reconsider any plans to invade Ethiopia, emphasizing that such actions would be met with resolute defense. His comments come amidst increasing regional tensions, particularly with neighboring countries, including Somalia and Egypt.
The tensions have risen following Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia has condemned as an aggressive act. Somalia has responded by strengthening its military relations with Egypt. Although Somaliland has claimed independence for over three decades, Somalia still considers it part of its territory.
Egypt is currently engaged in a long-standing conflict with Ethiopia regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River. Reports suggest that Egypt intends to mobilize troops to Somalia after signing a military agreement with its government.
In a recent address during Ethiopia’s Sovereignty Day, Abiy reiterated that the nation seeks peace but is prepared to defend its territory. He stated, “Anyone intending to invade Ethiopia should think not just once but 10 times because one great thing we Ethiopians know is [how] to defend ourselves.”
Somalia’s discontent has been fueled by Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland, which provides Ethiopia with port access. Somaliland has proposed leasing part of its coast to Ethiopia’s navy in exchange for being recognized as an independent state by Ethiopia.
The situation worsened after Egyptian military planes landed in Somalia, signaling deepening cooperation between Somalia and Egypt. Egypt is preparing to deploy up to 10,000 soldiers in support of an African Union force aimed at combating the Al-Shabab insurgency in Somalia, despite the fact that Ethiopian troops are already part of this mission.
Additionally, Egypt has expressed concerns that Ethiopia’s dam project threatens its water supply from the Nile, which has prompted heightened diplomatic tensions. The GERD is vital for Ethiopia’s energy ambitions, as it is positioned as Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, fundamentally impacting water resource dynamics in the region.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister has issued a clear warning against any potential invasion, emphasizing the nation’s readiness to defend itself amid escalating tensions with Somalia and Egypt. The recent military cooperation between Somalia and Egypt, along with Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland, reflects a complex regional landscape fraught with potential conflict. Additionally, the long-standing disagreement over the GERD continues to complicate diplomatic relations, particularly as Egypt prepares for military interventions in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
