Somalia: Awadal elders warn Ethiopia over controversial deal

MOGADISHU, Somalia -  Elders from the Awadal community have warned Ethiopia over the recent deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland, noting that they will protect their territory, which is now under threat from Addis Ababa, which signed the deal early this month.

The elders met Interior Security Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who lauded them for their committee to protect Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty which had come under "severe attack" from Ethiopia. Ethiopia has remained mum over the deal.

Fiqi, who emphasized the commitment of the country to defend its territorial integrity, said Somalia will continue working closely with friendly nations. Awdal is located in Somaliland, which is part of Somalia.

“Ethiopia always had intentions to cross over Somalia’s territory but the people of Somalia have always defended their land from such intrusions. We will continue to protect our territory at all costs,” the Minister said.

Also in attendance, Senator Deqa H. Hussein who leads the Internal Affairs Committee of the Upper House of Representatives, and Senator Bilal Idris Abdullahi discussed the bad intentions of Ethiopia, state media reports.

The Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation H.E Ahmed Moallim Fiqi explained that as is with Somali culture, the Ministry intends to consult with the traditional elders and community leaders of our society in dealing with issues such as this..

For the last week, the Awadal community has been protesting over the controversial deal, which if implemented, will see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of Red Sea within Somalia in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.

GAROWE ONLINE