Ethiopian troops move deep into Somalia amid tension

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In yet a dramatic move that escalates tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, Ethiopian troops moved further inside Somalia even in the middle of the ongoing withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) soldiers, who are set to be replaced by a new mission.

Multiple sources told Garowe Online that Ethiopia deployed over 180 armored combat vehicles, including 40 tanks, to southern Somalia, mainly in the border regions in the last 48 hours as the exit deadline set by the federal government ends this month.

Next month, the ATMIS contingent shall be replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which Somalia maintains will not have an Ethiopian military. Somalia proposed Egypt to lead the mission.

Addis Ababa has declared it will maintain its military presence in the country after Egypt started establishing a military foothold in Somalia as tensions rise over the Nile dam. This, analysts say, could mean Somalia is sliding into a proxy war between Ethiopia and Egypt.

Mogadishu issued a strong warning to Ethiopia, accusing it of violating its territorial integrity and sovereignty after the movement of troops was reported, noting that locals and Somali soldiers tackled them around Bulo-Hawo in the Gedo region.

"The Somali Government condemns Ethiopia’s illegal military actions in Gedo, calling it an affront to Somalia’s sovereignty. Ethiopian forces advancing toward Buulo Haawo were repelled by locals and Somali National Army," read the statement.

"Somalia urges the International Community, United Nations, and African Union to condemn these provocations, warning they threaten regional peace," Somalia added while insisting on respecting the sovereignty of other nations.

The animosity between the two countries took an interesting turn after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somaliland. If implemented, the agreement would see the country get 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea.

Somalia raised objections, accusing Ethiopia of infiltration in its internal affairs. Efforts to broker dialogue propelled by Turkey have not materialized with Somalia insisting that the agreement ought to be nullified before any meaningful discussions.

GAROWE ONLINE