• Monday December 23, 2024

FILE – Somali National Army (SNA) troops patrolling in Jubaland

Mogadishu — Ethiopian and Jubaland forces have reportedly seized control of Dolow, a key town in Somalia’s Gedo region, after intense clashes with the Somali National Army on Sunday. The confrontation left heavy casualties on both sides and escalated tensions between Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Jubaland administration.

In an official statement, the Somali government strongly condemned the assault, calling it an “egregious act of aggression.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attack as a “planned and deliberate” violation targeting Somali sovereignty.

“At approximately 10:00 AM this morning, Ethiopian forces launched an unprovoked and unexpected attack on positions stationed by the Somali National Army (SNA) in Dolow, located in the Gedo region,” read the statement. The assault targeted three critical bases manned by the Somali National Army, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and the Somali Police Force.The Somali government highlighted the deadly consequences of the attack, adding, “During the attack, Ethiopian forces inflicted casualties, including fatalities and injuries to Somali personnel stationed at these bases. Additionally, they injured civilian residents in the area.”

The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the timing of the assault, noting it occurred while the Somali government was engaged in peacebuilding efforts. “This act of aggression comes at a time when the Federal Government of Somalia is engaged in peacebuilding endeavours to advance the Ankara Declaration, with a high-level Somali delegation dispatched today to Addis Ababa.”

The government further emphasized that Ethiopia’s actions constitute a violation of international agreements, including the recently-signed Ankara Declaration, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Charter of the United Nations, and the norms of good neighbourly relations. “The Federal Government of Somalia unequivocally denounces this provocation and similar actions that threaten peaceful coexistence in the region. Furthermore, the Somali Federal Government warns that it will not remain silent in the face of such clear violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement added.

Jubaland’s Vice President, Mohamud Sayid Aden, countered the accusations, blaming the Somali federal government for instigating the clashes. “To the leaders of Villa Somalia: your attempted coup has failed. Step back, as pursuing this path will only lead to Somalia’s downfall. The people of Jubaland are bigger than personal interests or being used as political tools,” he declared during a press conference.

Jubaland authorities issued a scathing statement accusing Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of orchestrating the violence. The press release from the Jubaland Statehouse described the president as a “warlord” seeking to destabilize the region and undermine Jubaland’s autonomy.

Jubaland leaders have blamed the federal government for perpetuating instability in Gedo, a historically contested area that has seen recurring tensions between Mogadishu and Jubaland’s administration.

“Security agency personnel under the directive of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attacked the Dolow District airstrip, the police station, and the district headquarters with the apparent intention of disrupting security and governance in the area,” the statement read.

“Such provocations will lead to greater devastation and insecurity, further harming the region since his disruptive campaigns began in 2013,” the statement added.

Jubaland’s Security Minister, General Dhumal, echoed similar sentiments, accusing Mogadishu of pursuing destabilizing policies in the region.

In a separate incident, Jubalnd officials claimed that the Governor of Bardhere District, Aadan Mohamed Dhagocadde, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. They asserted that armed groups allegedly linked to Somali federal forces were implicated in the attack.

Jubaland officials, accompanied by security personnel, arrive in Dolow following clashes with Somali National Army forces. The delegation, including the Governor of Gedo Region. CREDIT / Gedo Governor Mohamed Hussein (Al-Qaadi) A delegation from the Jubaland administration, including the Governor of the Gedo Region Mohamed Hussein (Al-Qaadi), arrived in Dolow shortly after the clashes. Their visit aimed to assess the situation on the ground and consolidate their authority in the region.

Dolow, a strategic town on the Ethiopia-Somalia border, has long been a flashpoint for conflicts involving Somali federal forces and Jubaland troops, often with Ethiopian support. Its fall to Ethiopian and Jubaland forces marks a significant setback for Mogadishu’s efforts to assert authority in the Gedo region.

The timing of the attack is particularly sensitive, coming just days before the African Union transitions from its ATMIS mission to the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). In Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced on Monday that Egypt would join the new AU peacekeeping force at Somalia’s request. “Egypt decided to join this mission based on a request from the Somali government and the welcoming of the African Union Peace and Security Council,” Abdelatty said at a press conference alongside his Somali counterpart Ahmed Moalim Fiqi.

The development points to Cairo’s growing partnership with Somalia, especially. Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have escalated since Addis Ababa signed a controversial maritime deal with the breakaway Somaliland region in January, prompting Mogadishu to strengthen ties with Egypt. Turkey has stepped in as a mediator, facilitating talks between Somalia and Ethiopia. Earlier this month, both nations agreed to hold technical discussions to address Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions while reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty, signalling a potential, albeit fragile, path toward de-escalation.