Somalia has accused neighboring Ethiopia of smuggling arms into the Jubaland region, escalating already strained relations between the two countries. The Somali government claims that Ethiopia’s involvement in supplying weapons to Jubaland authorities is exacerbating internal conflicts and undermining the peace process in the country.
The accusations come amid rising tensions in Jubaland, an autonomous region in southern Somalia that has long been a flashpoint for political and military rivalries. The Somali government has expressed concerns over Ethiopia’s alleged support for regional militias, which are said to be destabilizing the region and further complicating efforts to achieve national unity.
Somalia’s federal government has called for immediate investigations and demanded that Ethiopia cease its alleged actions, stressing that such interference violates Somalia’s sovereignty. Ethiopian officials have denied the claims, stating that they are committed to supporting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and have no intention of undermining Somalia’s internal affairs.
The situation in Jubaland has been further complicated by local political dynamics and the presence of multiple armed groups. Tensions between the Somali government and Jubaland’s president, Ahmed Madobe, have also fueled the allegations of external interference.
International observers have expressed concern over the potential for conflict to spill over into neighboring regions, destabilizing the broader Horn of Africa. Calls for dialogue and de-escalation have been made by the United Nations and the African Union, urging both countries to resolve their differences through peaceful negotiations.
The unfolding situation highlights the complex geopolitical challenges in the Horn of Africa, where cross-border tensions, regional ambitions, and internal conflicts continue to pose significant obstacles to peace and stability.
