Ethiopia’s foreign minister recently voiced concerns over ammunition supplied to Somalia, warning that it could escalate the fragile security situation and fall into the hands of terrorists. This comes after an Egyptian warship delivered heavy weaponry to Mogadishu, the second arms shipment following a joint security pact signed by Egypt and Somalia.
Ethiopia, with troops in Somalia to combat Islamist insurgents, has clashed with the Mogadishu government over plans to build a port in breakaway Somaliland. This rift has brought Somalia closer to Egypt, which has had disputes with Ethiopia over the Nile River dam. Foreign Minister Taye Astke Selassie shared his worries about external forces supplying ammunition in a meeting with the UN under-secretary-general for peacebuilding.
Interestingly, Ethiopia agreed to lease coastline from Somaliland in exchange for possible recognition of sovereignty, leading to threats from Somalia to expel Ethiopian troops by the end of the year if the port deal isn’t canceled. The situation remains tense as diplomatic relations are strained.
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