Ethiopia PM warns against invading amid rising regional tensions

The Prime Minister of Ethiopia has warned that anyone who may be planning to invade the country should “think 10 times” adding that any attack would be repelled. Adiy Ahmed did not point his statement towards any nation in particular. But they come amidst rising tensions with neighbours, Somalia and Egypt.

Somalia has called a maritime pact with Abiy’s government signed with the self-declared republic of Somaliland in January as an act of “aggression,” as it responds by forming closer military ties with Egypt. Somaliland broke away from Somalia over three decades ago but the Somalian government considers it a part of its territory and does not recognise its independence.

Egypt meanwhile has been in a long-standing dispute with Ethiopia. This is over its decision to built a large dam on a tributary of the Nile River. Cairo is reportedly planning to send troops into Somalia after a military pact was signed between the two nations last month.

In an address on TV marking the Sovereignty Day of Ethiopia, Abiy said that the country had no intention of creating conflict. But he also said that “those who are afar and nearby” should be aware that they “usually embarrass and repel those who dare to try and invade” the country.  

“Anyone intending to invade Ethiopia should think not just once but 10 times because one great thing we Ethiopians know is [how] to defend ourselves,” the Prime Minister added.

Somalia has been angered by the landlocked Ethiopia’s decision to reach an agreement with Somaliland that would give it access to a port. Somaliland also said that a section of the coast could even be leased to the Ethiopian navy in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation.

Tensions further escalated after Egypt sent a pair of C130 military planes to Somalia’s capital to mark the strengthening of ties between Cairo and Mogadishu.

Image: Prime Minister Office – Ethiopia via wikimedia commons