Summary
Ethiopian forces have seized control of critical airports in Somalia’s Gedo region to thwart Egypt’s potential military entry, amidst rising tensions between the two nations. This development is influenced by Ethiopia’s recent agreements with Somaliland and its historical disputes with Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Ethiopian forces have established control over significant airports located in the Gedo region of Jubaland state, southern Somalia, specifically Luuq, Dolo, and Bardheere. This military maneuver is reportedly aimed at averting the potential airlift of Egyptian forces to the area. The Somali Guardian has reported that this development is part of Ethiopia’s strategy to prevent an Egyptian military presence in a region that is of critical importance due to its geographical gateways to various cities. The Ethiopian military gain follows rising tensions between the governments of Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly after Ethiopia formalized an agreement with Somaliland, a separatist region seeking greater autonomy, which allows Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. These airports function as the sole access points for the region’s cities, particularly significant as Al-Shabaab controls the primary pathways. Ethiopia’s decision to secure these strategic locations comes amidst escalating disputes with neighboring Somalia over maritime agreements with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Furthermore, relations with Egypt are also tense due to Ethiopia’s ongoing construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia has issued a stern warning, asserting that the nation will not tolerate threats to its sovereignty. He stated, “We will not be touched! However, we will humiliate anyone who dares to threaten us in order to dissuade them,” emphasizing that Ethiopia shall not negotiate on matters concerning its sovereignty and dignity. In a separate but related context, Ethiopia’s recent diplomatic moves, including the appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland, have further exacerbated tensions with both Somalia and Egypt. Following a military cooperation agreement between Cairo and Mogadishu, which entailed military equipment assistance, Ethiopia accused external actors of seeking to destabilize the region. Moreover, the prospect of Egypt deploying troops to Somalia under a new African Union-led mission is anticipated to replace the existing ATMIS peacekeeping force, in which Ethiopia plays a significant role by supporting Somali forces against the Al-Shabaab terrorist threat. Tensions have notably risen following a January agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia long-desired access to the sea. This agreement has been condemned by Mogadishu as a breach of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Under this accord, Somaliland has purportedly leased a portion of its coastline to Ethiopia for 50 years, thereby facilitating Ethiopia’s establishment of a naval base and commercial port, while seeking formal recognition from Addis Ababa.

The current geopolitical landscape involving Ethiopia, Somalia, and Egypt is characterized by complex and escalating tensions. Ethiopia’s recent military actions in Somalia can be understood against the backdrop of inter-country disputes, particularly regarding territory and access to resources. The contentious relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has intensified with Ethiopia’s strategic agreements with Somaliland, as well as Egypt’s military engagement in Somalia following its cooperation pact with Mogadishu. Historically, conflicts over water rights related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam compound these tensions, underlining the sensitive nature of security and territorial integrity in the Horn of Africa region.

In summary, Ethiopia’s capture of key airports in the Gedo region of Somalia forms part of a broader strategy to assert its influence and prevent Egyptian military involvement in the area. This move reflects the escalating friction between Ethiopia and Somalia, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland and ongoing tensions surrounding water rights and national sovereignty. Ethiopia’s government remains steadfast in its resolve to protect its interests, as echoed in the remarks of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed about safeguarding the nation’s dignity and sovereignty.

Original Source: english.almayadeen.net

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