ALBAWABA- Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a stern warning on Sunday, pledging to “humiliate” any nation that threatens Ethiopia’s sovereignty.
His remarks came during a Sovereignty Day ceremony in Addis Ababa and reflect escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Ethiopia’s relations with neighboring Somalia have soured over a maritime agreement signed with the breakaway region of Somaliland. The deal, which grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline, has been condemned by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s recent appointment of an ambassador to Somaliland has further heightened these tensions.
In addition, Ethiopia's relations with Egypt are strained over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile. Cairo perceives the dam as a threat to its water supply.
The situation worsened last month when Ethiopia accused external actors, including Egypt, of attempting to destabilize the region after Egypt provided military equipment to Somalia.
Egypt’s recent offer to deploy troops to Somalia as part of a new African Union-led mission, replacing the current peacekeeping force, ATMIS, has added to the discord. Ethiopia, a key contributor to ATMIS, views this move with suspicion.
The ongoing dispute also involves indirect talks facilitated by Turkey, aimed at resolving the conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia. However, these discussions have yet to yield significant progress.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1993 but remains unrecognized, has sought formal recognition from Ethiopia in exchange for leasing a portion of its coastline for a naval base and commercial port.
The GERD project continues to be a major point of contention between Ethiopia and Egypt, with Cairo viewing it as a direct threat to its vital water resources.
