Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The Federal Republic of Somalia has strongly condemned what it describes as an unauthorized and unlawful shipment of arms and ammunition from Ethiopia to the semi-autonomous Puntland State of Somalia Friday.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Somali government warned that the incident represents a grave breach of the country’s sovereignty and poses serious threats to both national and regional security.
According to documented evidence, two lorries carrying weapons entered Puntland from Ethiopia without any diplomatic clearance. The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) called this transfer a blatant violation of its territorial integrity, signaling heightened tensions with both Puntland and Ethiopia.
The relationship between Somalia’s Federal Government and Puntland State has been characterized by ongoing tensions, especially regarding security matters and the distribution of power and resources. Puntland, which enjoys considerable autonomy, has frequently pursued independent security initiatives, creating friction with the central government.
This latest arms shipment, which took place without the FGS's authorization, threatens to exacerbate these existing divisions. The Federal Government’s response underscores its concern over Puntland’s security operations being influenced or supported by external actors, particularly without its consent.
The Somali government expressed alarm over what it described as Ethiopia’s disregard for Somalia’s sovereignty. This event comes amid already strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, both of whom are key players in the Horn of Africa's complex geopolitical landscape.
The two countries have a history of fluctuating relations, often influenced by security concerns, political instability, and regional power dynamics. While Ethiopia has long been a partner in Somalia’s fight against terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, the recent incidents of arms shipments without Somalia’s approval have cast a shadow over the bilateral relationship.
This latest arms shipment is not an isolated event. The statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that previous unauthorized arms transfers had also been facilitated by Ethiopia, including shipments to the Galmudug region and Baidoa. Such recurrent actions, Somalia warned, reflect an ongoing pattern of Ethiopia’s disregard for the country's sovereignty and may signal deeper regional security issues.
Somalia has called for the immediate cessation of these transgressions by Ethiopia and urged its regional and international partners to condemn this violation. The Somali government emphasized the need for unified efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Despite the growing tensions with both Puntland and Ethiopia, the Federal Government of Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to resolving disputes through diplomatic dialogue. The government reiterated its dedication to working within international frameworks and cooperative mechanisms to safeguard the region’s stability and uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity.
This development marks a new point of contention in the already complex relations between Somalia, its federal member states, and neighboring Ethiopia, potentially complicating efforts to maintain security and political cohesion in the region.