Sunday October 13, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Minister of Defense Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur has vowed that Somalia will not be intimidated by recent threats from Ethiopia, emphasizing that the country is prepared to respond to any aggressive actions against its army or people.
In a statement delivered in Mogadishu, Minister Nur said, “We want Somalia and Ethiopia to live in peace and neighbourliness, but if the weak administration of Abiy and Jula cannot maintain peace, those fueling conflict will see who will face serious consequences.”
The minister’s remarks were in direct response to comments made by Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF) Commander Field Marshal Birhanu Jula. Jula recently criticized Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stating that he is “incapable of confronting us and securing the capital, Mogadishu.”
Jula also denied Somali government accusations that Ethiopia had smuggled unauthorized weapons into Somalia.
Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have escalated further due to Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea—a move that Somalia views as an infringement on its sovereignty.
Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region in the northwest of Somalia, has sought independence since 1991 but remains unrecognized by the international community. The African Union continues to uphold the policy of respecting colonially drawn borders, leaving Somaliland’s independence claims in legal limbo.
