JidbaaleA soldier from the Ethiopian armed forces is shown with the leader of the Somaliland tribal enclave in Qorilugud, showing their close participation in the fighting. Such a presence raises questions about Ethiopia’s role in the ongoing war and indicates a working relationship between the Ethiopian military forces and the Somaliland faction. The international community might need to pay much attention to the events unfolding in North Somalia so that they do not progress to the next level, thus affecting the stability of the region. The fact that an Ethiopian soldier is right beside the tribal enclave raises a lot of questions about Ethiopia’s level of commitment.
We must inform the Somali government that this tribal leader from ‘Somaliland’ is openly plotting with the Ethiopian army to support Ethiopian actions in northern Somalia. There is potential that it could have a severe effect on the stability of the regions. It is about time for the world community to step in to prevent further aggravations of the situation and provide for stability in the region. The crisis can only be resolved through diplomatic means by the Somali government, which denounces Ethiopia’s actions and violations of the Somali people’s rights and independence.
Musa Bihi of “Somaliland” issued a statement on August 18th, inciting the tribes to rise and fight Khatumo SSC. The Ethiopian forces provided ammunition and weapons; they crossed the border in Wajale on August 15. The United Nations, the International Community, and other international organizations should condemn the Ethiopean military’s implication in the current ethnic conflict in Northern Somalia, where secessionists are fighting unionists. It can be considered a conflict that has all the potential to turn into a large internal conflict. The world must act to prevent more deaths and do everything possible to ensure that the situation does not escalate into more violence. Internal Ethiopian politics can only inflame the situation, extend the conflict, and eventually lead to more deaths for those who are not directly involved.
