Somalia Accuses Ethiopia of Arms Shipments to Puntland Region

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Horn of Africa, Somalia has accused Ethiopia of supplying arms to the Puntland region, which has recently declared its intention to operate as an independent state. This accusation comes amid a backdrop of long-standing and often tumultuous relations between the two neighboring countries. The situation is further complicated by the presence of the militant group Al-Shabab, which has been a persistent threat to Somalia's stability.

The Puntland region, which has enjoyed a degree of autonomy since 1998, announced its decision to act independently earlier this year. This move was met with strong opposition from Somalia's central government, which has struggled to maintain control over its federal states. The tensions reached a new peak on January 1, when Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with Somaliland, another breakaway region of Somalia, granting Ethiopia access to the ocean—a long-desired goal for the landlocked nation.

In a statement, Somalia's Foreign Ministry expressed its strong condemnation of what it termed “unauthorized arms shipments from Ethiopia to Somalia’s Puntland region.” The ministry emphasized that such actions violate Somalia's sovereignty and pose a significant threat to regional security. They called for an immediate halt to these shipments and urged international partners to support peace efforts in the region.

According to the Somali Foreign Ministry, there is documented evidence of two lorries transporting weapons from Ethiopia to Puntland, executed without any diplomatic engagement or clearance. This alarming development raises serious concerns about the implications for both national and regional security. However, the Somali government did not disclose when the shipment took place or the intended recipients of the weapons.

In response to the accusations, Ethiopia's Foreign Ministry has not yet provided any comments. The January agreement with Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, allows Ethiopia to lease a portion of Somaliland's coastline for 50 years. In exchange, Somaliland hopes to gain formal recognition from Ethiopia, although this has not been confirmed by Addis Ababa.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of thousands of Ethiopian soldiers currently stationed in Somalia to combat Al-Shabab. Senior officials in Mogadishu have indicated that the recent agreement with Somaliland may necessitate the withdrawal of these troops, which are deployed under a bilateral accord and an agreement with the African Union.

In a bid to address these escalating tensions, Somalia signed a military pact with Egypt, Ethiopia's rival, on August 14. Egypt has expressed its willingness to join the African Union force in Somalia by 2025. Meanwhile, Türkiye has been mediating discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia since July, although two rounds of talks in Ankara have failed to yield any significant progress, and a third round was recently canceled.

The ongoing conflict and accusations between Somalia and Ethiopia highlight the fragile nature of peace in the Horn of Africa. As both nations navigate their complex relationships and the challenges posed by insurgent groups, the international community's role in facilitating dialogue and promoting stability will be crucial. The situation remains fluid, and the potential for further escalation looms large, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and diplomatic efforts in the region.