- The historical relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has been fraught with conflict, stemming from territorial disputes and differing political interests.
- However, recent events have escalated tensions, prompting a strong reaction from the Somali populace because of what they term as Ethiopia “infringing our country’s sovereignty”.
Image: FILE
The Government and people of Somalia have stepped up unity displays amid the ongoing dispute with neighbouring Ethiopia.
The historical relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has been fraught with conflict, stemming from territorial disputes and differing political interests.
However, recent events have escalated tensions, prompting a strong reaction from the Somali populace because of what they term Ethiopia “infringing our country’s sovereignty”.
In the last few months, Somalia has experienced a significant surge in nationalistic sentiment in response to Ethiopia.
This response has also manifested in widespread protests across the country, especially in the capital, Mogadishu and parts of the Somaliland region of Somalia.
This has seen President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly support these protests in Ethiopia, while at the same time calling for unity over the same.
"We must stand together as one nation. Our strength lies in our unity, and we will not allow any external force to undermine our sovereignty," he told a crowd in Mogadishu last year.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, during a press conference in October last year, in the heat of the protests expressed his support for the protests, stating, "We hear the voices of our people, and we stand with them. The government will take all necessary measures to ensure that our territorial integrity is respected."
His remarks underscored the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of its citizens and reaffirming Somalia's sovereignty.
Influential figures from various sectors, including civil society and the business community, have joined the chorus of support for the protests.
A section of Somalilanders held protests in support of the larger Somalia in the capital Hargeisa and other cities within the breakaway region.
As Somalia faces external pressures, critics say the recent protests signify a pivotal moment in the nation's history.
The call for unity against Ethiopian aggression resonates deeply within the hearts of Somalis, transcending regional divides and fostering a sense of collective identity.
Somalia-Ethiopia relations worsened in January when Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 km of coastline from the breakaway Somaliland region for the next 50 years in exchange for recognising its independence.
Turkey has offered to lead mediation between the two countries.
Turkey has so far hosted two rounds of meetings between the East African neighbours to repair their relations.
A third round of talks that had initially been set to take place in Ankara on Tuesday was cancelled.
Somalia insists the lease agreement is illegal and retaliated by expelling the Ethiopian ambassador and threatening to kick out thousands of Ethiopian troops stationed in the country helping battle Islamist insurgents.
It insists breakaway Somalia remains its territory.
The United States also insists that it is working hard to ensure a diplomatic solution is found.
“We are very much aware and working collaboratively to make sure there is a diplomatic resolution of this current situation,” said US Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley.
Speaking to VOA, Riley said he is hopeful, though, that a solution may come from the third round of talks in Turkey.
He added that the US will extend full support to any mission whose objective is to make Somalia a peaceful place.