PM Abiy Ahmed: Ethiopia will participate in rebuilding of Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Prime Minister of the federal republic of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed says Addis Ababa will closely work with the federal government of Somalia, noting that the country is closely monitoring security in the Horn of Africa nation which is struggling with instability.

Ethiopia has been working closely with Somalia, especially during the tenure of Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo but the cooperation was often challenged by the opposition, which has since formed a government through Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

During the inauguration of Hassan Sheikh on Thursday, Abiy Ahmed insisted that Addis Ababa will closely work with the new administration in Mogadishu, adding that he's committed to rebuilding the country which has been in shambles for decades.

“I stand here today to offer you Ethiopia’s support, and as you know, as you start your endeavour to rebuild Somalia, we will be with you, and I’m sure you will succeed," the premier affirmed as quoted by Ethiopian News Agency.

In his biweekly media briefing, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dina Mufti said In his message, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Ethiopia is committed to further strengthening its multifaceted relations with Somalia, Dina stated.

Ethiopia is also battling internal challenges following a war in the Tigray region which has left thousands of people dead. Abiy Ahmed has been blamed for failing to contain disagreements with the Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF].

A report tabled by the United Nations special rapporteur claimed Somali soldiers training in Eritrea were sneaked to Axum in Tigray where they committed mass murder. However, both the Ethiopian and Somalia governments denied the grave allegations.

Currently, Ethiopia has thousands of troops serving in the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] who are critical in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants. Ethiopia is credited for playing an integral role in kicking out the militants from the capital, Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE