In a strategic move to prevent the delivery of Egyptian weapons, Ethiopian troops have seized key airports in Somalia’s Gedo region. This action is part of a broader effort to disrupt the planned deployment of Egyptian troops intended to replace Ethiopian forces in the area. The seizure of these airports has heightened tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, adding another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between the two countries.
Ethiopian troops have taken control of the airports in Luq, Dolow, and Bardere, which are crucial access points to the towns in the Gedo region. The main roads in this area are controlled by the militant group Al-Shabaab, making the airports the only viable entry points. By seizing these airports, Ethiopia aims to prevent the airlifting of Egyptian troops and military equipment into the region.
This move is seen as a direct response to the recent defense agreement between Somalia and Egypt, which involves the deployment of 5,000 Egyptian troops under an African Union-led peacekeeping mission, with an additional 5,000 under a separate bilateral agreement. The Ethiopian intervention is intended to disrupt this deployment and maintain its strategic influence in the region.
The seizure of the airports is also a reaction to the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland for access to the Red Sea has already strained relations with Somalia. The control of these airports further complicates the situation, as it directly challenges Somalia’s sovereignty and its agreements with Egypt.
Rising Tensions and Diplomatic Strains
The Ethiopian intervention in the Gedo region has significantly worsened relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The Somali government has warned Ethiopian troops to withdraw from the country by next year, but the entrenched presence of Ethiopian forces in regions like Gedo, Hiran, Bay, and Bakol makes this withdrawal uncertain. The situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which has been a point of contention for years.
The recent actions by Ethiopian troops have also led to diplomatic tensions. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly refused to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. This diplomatic snub highlights the growing rift between the two countries and the challenges in finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The involvement of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the current High Representative of the African Union for the Horn of Africa, in mediating the situation has so far been unsuccessful. The failure to mediate underscores the complexity of the geopolitical dynamics in the region and the difficulty in resolving the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Broader Implications for Regional Stability
The seizure of the airports in the Gedo region has broader implications for regional stability. The Ethiopian military’s actions could signal the beginning of a proxy war between Cairo and Addis Ababa, further destabilizing the Horn of Africa. The involvement of external powers in the region’s conflicts adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
The control of the airports by Ethiopian troops also impacts humanitarian efforts in the region. With the main roads controlled by Al-Shabaab, the airports are vital for delivering aid and supplies to the affected areas. The seizure of these airports could hinder humanitarian operations and exacerbate the suffering of the local population.
Moreover, the ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia could have ripple effects on other countries in the region. The Horn of Africa is already plagued by conflicts and instability, and the escalation of tensions between these two key players could further destabilize the region. The international community must closely monitor the situation and support efforts to find a peaceful resolution.
In conclusion, the seizure of key airports in Somalia’s Gedo region by Ethiopian troops to prevent the delivery of Egyptian weapons has significantly heightened tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. The strategic move reflects the broader geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa and has serious implications for regional stability. As the situation continues to unfold, the need for diplomatic efforts and international support to resolve the conflict becomes increasingly urgent.
