Somalia has accused Ethiopia of smuggling weapons to support Jubaland, a regional state in the country, marking the fourth allegation of sovereignty violations linked to weapons supplies into Somalia this year, In a statement released by the Ministry of Information..
Somalia condemned Ethiopia’s alleged ongoing smuggling of arms, empowering militias with weapons, and violating the country’s sovereignty and international laws. “Such actions will not be tolerated,” the ministry stated, The ministry reported that two Ethiopian aircraft, loaded with weapons, landed in Kismayo on Saturday. After unloading the supplies, the planes took off again, carrying a delegation from Jubaland back to Addis Ababa.
The ministry also stated that Ethiopia is training Somali militias within its borders and sending them to Somalia to incite conflict, with the aim of making Somalia appear unstable, “Anyone linked to Ethiopia in conspiracies against Somalia’s sovereignty will face severe consequences and justice,” said the ministry, adding that Somalia is prepared to defend itself against any aggression.
Despite the allegations, Ethiopia is backing President Ahmed Madobe of Jubaland, who has political rifts with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud over his defiance of the new unified election system.
Ethiopia views Madobe as a key ally in its dispute with President Mohamud over his rejection of its bid for a 20-km Red Sea coastline deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region, in exchange for recognition.
Regional analysts say Ethiopia’s support for Madobe could worsen tensions with Somalia, with the December 31 deadline for Ethiopian troops to withdraw from Somalia or be seen as occupying forces.
