Ethiopian Troops Give Janan’s Forces 3-Day Ultimatum to Leave Beled-Hawo

DOLOW, Somalia — Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia’s Gedo region have issued a three-day ultimatum to Somali government forces, including former security minister Abdirashid Janan, to vacate the town of Beled-Hawo, a local official said Tuesday.

Gedo regional governor Abdullahi Shimbir, who supports Somalia’s federal government, told reporters that Ethiopian forces in Doolow summoned local elders and conveyed a stern directive demanding the withdrawal of Somali troops currently based at the UK camp in Beled-Hawo — a facility recently retaken by federal forces.

“The Ethiopian forces have issued orders concerning the federal troops at the UK camp and senior officials, particularly Abdirashid Janan. They were given a deadline of three days,” Shimbir said during a press conference.

He criticized the ultimatum, describing it as a violation of Somali sovereignty.

“Let it be known that the area they are asking troops to vacate is Somali land — Beled-Hawo is not part of Ethiopia,” he said. “We see this as an act of aggression, and we, as the regional administration, do not accept it.”

The governor also warned that the move could strain improving diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia.

“This is harmful to neighborhood relations and regional stability. We don’t want war with Ethiopia, but we will not tolerate injustice,” he added.

The standoff follows a recent incident in which Ethiopian forces reportedly attacked a Somali intelligence (NISA) base in Doolow, destroying the facility and arresting its commander. The federal government in Mogadishu has not yet issued an official response to the incident.

GAROWE ONLINE