Ethiopian Forces Seize Key Airports in Somalia Amid Rising Tensions

According to recent reports, Ethiopian forces have taken control of the main airports in Somalia’s Gedo region, including Luque, Dolo, and Bardere airports. This move is seen as an attempt to prevent the possible transfer of Egyptian forces to the region, which are scheduled to be replaced.

The airports were seized amid rising tensions between the governments of Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently issued a strong warning against any attempt to invade Ethiopia, indicating the seriousness of the situation.

The Somali website reported that Ethiopia’s control over the airports is crucial because they are the only access points to towns in the Gedo region, where the al-Shabaab armed group has blocked roads. Ethiopia’s intervention is seen as a strategic move to disrupt the planned deployment of Egyptian forces.

Defense Deal Between Somalia and Egypt

The latest defense deal between Somalia and Egypt includes the deployment of 5,000 Egyptian troops as part of an African Union-led peacekeeping mission, with an additional 5,000 under a separate bilateral agreement. Ethiopia has rallied allied regional countries to oppose the deployment, leading to heightened tensions.

Geopolitical Conflict in Somalia

The situation reflects a broader geopolitical conflict in Somalia, exacerbated by the recent accord between Ethiopia and the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland. The deal, which includes leasing land along the Red Sea for a naval base, has angered the Somali government, which sees it as a violation of its sovereignty.

Somali officials have warned that Ethiopian forces must withdraw from Somalia by next year. However, it is uncertain whether the Somali government will be able to force this withdrawal due to the heavy presence of Ethiopian forces in areas such as Gedo, Hiran, Bey, and Bakul.

Dispute Between Ethiopia and Egypt

The conflict is further complicated by an ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt over a hydroelectric dam that Ethiopia is building on a major tributary of the Nile. The dam has been a point of contention, adding another layer of complexity to regional dynamics.

The actions of the Ethiopian army in Somalia could be the beginning of a war between Cairo and Addis Ababa in Somalia. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had earlier threatened Ethiopia not to jeopardize Somalia’s security.

He stated, “Somalia is an Arab country of the Arab League, and Arab states have the right to defend themselves collectively against any threat to it in accordance with the Charter. We will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia. No one tries Egypt.”