Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has accused the Ethiopian government of leveraging counter terrorism efforts as a pretext for annexing Somali territory.
Speaking at the United Nations Security Council on Friday, Fiqi stated that Somali authorities had intercepted illegal arms shipments from Ethiopia intended to fuel local conflicts, calling these actions a “blatant violation” of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have escalated since Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland on January 1, 2024. The agreement granted Ethiopia sea access and included provisions for a military base in Somaliland, which the Somali government views as undermining its territorial integrity.
Minister Fiqi also emphasized the importance of reinforcing national efforts against terrorism, highlighting the need to expand local governance and humanitarian aid to liberated areas. He reaffirmed Somalia’s dedication to working with the United Nations to stabilize the region through local, regional, and international cooperation.
Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia — a multidimensional mission authorized by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council.
The terror group has stepped up attacks since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an “all-out war” on the group.