Somalia's opposition accuses Ethiopia of causing chaos in Jubaland, calls for withdrawal of Non-AMISOM troops

MOGADISHU- Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed has been dragged to political standoff in the neighbouring Somalia, even with the escalating political chaos in his own backyard.

For a month now, Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe's administration has directly linked Addis Ababa to domestic political intrigues, which threatens unity in Gedo region.

In a letter to UN envoy James Swan last week, Jubaland accused Ethiopian non AMISOM troops of 'illegal invasion' and 'secret ouster' plot against Madobe.

The administration called for 'immediate intervention' by UN and AU, adding that 'continued stay of Ethiopian troops in Gedo would jeopardize peace efforts.

Somalia's main opposition Forum for National Parties (FNP) has joined the calls, a move that could now heighten political squabbles in Mogadishu.

In a letter on Sunday, FNP said, "It is convinced that Ethiopia is in grave violation of territorial integrity and independence of  Somalia as its own forces maintain illegal presence in Somalia outside the AMISOM framework."

FNP brings together six major parties under the leadership of former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The coalition has linked Federal Goverment of Somalia to the political chaos in Jubaland, warning that the situation should be managed immediately.

FNP said, 'It looks as though Federal Goverment which is supposed to protect our sovereignty and independence is accomplice to these serious violations against the people'.

Mr Ahmed, who won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, is currently struggling to manage ethnic violence in Ethiopia, with over 100 people already reported dead.

But the Somalia opposition team insists he "falls short of Somali's expectations as a considerate leader able to respect good neighbourhood".

Revisiting 2018 chaos at South West state which led to the capture of Mukhtar Robow, FNP also blamed Ethiopian troops of attempts to sneak in commandos in Jubaland to 'rig' August polls.

Jubaland forces with the aid of Kenya Defense Forces blocked an Ethiopian plane from landing in Kismayo Airport a day to state elections.

To manage the simmering political tensions in Jubaland, FNP has demanded for immediate withdrawal of Ethiopian troops from the region.

"FNP calls for withdrawal of Ethiopian Non-AMISOM troops from Somalia territory, stay away from internal political differences  and act as good neighbours," the letter reads.

Also, FNP has asked FGS 'to clarify its position on the abuses of Ethiopian forces in the region and stay away from misuse of foreign forces against opponents'.

The coalition insists that part of the agreement with President Mohamed Farmajo last week was to respect Jubaland leadership.

Sheikh Ahmed Madobe has often insisted that the main motive is to force him to step down and allow fresh elections despite his August victory.

Sources claim that three District Commissioners and Deputy Jubaland Electoral Commission officer were abducted by Ethiopian troops and forced to surrender 'jurisdictional authority'.

During his trip to Nairobi last week, Farmajo accused regional leaders of 'working with foreigners to undermine my leadership'.

GAROWE ONLINE