Somalia's President Vows to Resist Ethiopia's Ambitions, Citing Past Annexations

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia maintains that Ethiopia has continued to occupy Somalia’s territories, arguing that the trend will be stopped using both legal and extra-legal means in the coming months.

Without giving proof, Hassan Sheikh said Ethiopia's annexation plans have succeeded in the past, noting that the trend will not be allowed to take precedence in the future given the resilience of the Somali people.

According to him, Somalia will fight any plans by Ethiopia to access the sea, noting that the move will bring disharmony besides undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that Ethiopia occupied Somali territories, an issue that remains unresolved, and now dreams of annexing more. He further added that Somalia will not allow Ethiopia to forcefully reach the sea," state media reports.

The decision by Ethiopia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland over access to the Red Sea has caused anxiety in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia maintaining the agreement is 'null and void'.

Djibouti, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said it is ready to resolve the standoff between Ethiopia and Somalia, by donating a port which Addis Ababa will be in full control. The Turkey mediation is yet to bore fruits.

Somalia says the decision by Ethiopia to push for occupation of its territory would potentially give room to the resurgence of the Al-Shabaab militants. The group has increased attacks in the recent past despite military operations across the country.

Over the weekend Information Minister Daud Aweis highlighted that in the past two years, the government has achieved remarkable success in military operations against terrorists, reclaiming vast territories. Over 200 areas have been liberated, marking the most substantial defeat of Kharijites in 8 years.

GAROWE ONLINE