Somalia Accuses Ethiopia of Smuggling Weapons to Jubaland Amid Growing Tensions

Somalia has accused Ethiopia of smuggling weapons into Jubaland, exacerbating regional instability and heightening diplomatic tensions. The Somali government claims that these weapons, allegedly sourced from Ethiopia, have bolstered local militias and fueled clan conflicts, which threaten the fragile security dynamics in the Jubaland region.

The accusations come amidst broader regional instability, with Somalia grappling with internal political divisions and security challenges, including the persistent threat posed by the terrorist group Al-Shabaab. The Somali Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Abukar Osman, accused Ethiopia of being a key contributor to these challenges by supporting militias and aiding the resurgence of Al-Shabaab through arms trafficking.

Somalia’s ongoing dispute with Ethiopia is further complicated by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, granting Addis Ababa access to vital Red Sea trade routes, a move that Somalia strongly opposes. These agreements have led to further friction, as Somalia sees such deals as undermining its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The presence of Ethiopian forces in Somalia, especially under missions like ATMIS, has been a point of contention, with calls from Somalia’s leadership to replace Ethiopian troops with forces from other nations, such as Egypt.

Local sources and analysts suggest that these tensions risk a full-scale confrontation, which would benefit groups like Al-Shabaab by creating power vacuums and escalating clan rivalries. The situation is further inflamed by arms smuggling operations that have resulted in deadly clashes between tribal militias and Somali National Army forces.

Somalia seeks international support to resolve these issues and ensure stability, advocating for a new African Union mission (AUSSOM) led by nations like Egypt and Djibouti. As Somalia prioritizes its sovereignty and territorial integrity, diplomatic efforts remain crucial to avoid escalating conflicts that could destabilize the Horn of Africa further.

Analysts remain concerned about Somalia’s capacity to manage internal disputes and secure its borders without robust international cooperation. The coming months will determine whether Ethiopia and Somalia can resolve their tensions through dialogue or if regional instability will escalate into greater conflicts.