KEY POINTS
- Ethiopia raises concerns over a recent arms shipment to Somalia, fearing regional security risks.
- The shipment could potentially fuel tensions in the already fragile Horn of Africa.
- Ethiopia urges international oversight and cooperation to ensure regional peace.
Ethiopia has shown its increasing worry over arms recently supplied to Somalia which is likely to compound the already sensitive Horn of Africa region. Quoting the Ethiopian state news agency, the government is concerned that these weapons pose a threat to security in the region as well as in countries bordering Somalia.
The report is issued at a time when Ethiopia is facing internal crises and increased security risks in the region. The Ethiopian government is especially concerned about the weapons ending up in the hands of rebel factions that might turn the guns on them or neighboring countries.
These two nations have kept a good partnership on security matters and any shift in this sector might mean a great impact on both nations.
Regional security at risk
Crisis has for long been a constant companion in the Horn of Africa and with groups like al-Shabaab, the threats are very real.
Addis Abeba government believes that once these arms fall in the hand of these groups in Somalia, it will help the functioning of these groups in posing a challenge to security and stability.
Ethiopia has in the past used its troops in Somalia, and for this reason, it is particularly wary of anything that may complicate such deployment.
Reuters reported that the Ethiopian government has urged for an international supervision of the arms supply to Somalia. They also say that if these shipments are not well monitored, they could fuel tensions in a volatile area.
Ethiopia has also called on other countries in the region as well as international organizations to do more to prevent weapons from getting into the wrong hands.
The recent fragile peace in the horn of Africa
Ethiopia cannot take a lie low here as the region has in the recent past experienced violence and volatility. Somalia in particular has had a long time problem of trying to re-establish its governance and security structures after the civil war. Despite some progress recorded in the recent past, there are difficulties emanating from armed groups including al-Shabaab that pose a threat to the state’s….
They have always sought Ethiopia’s help in the war against terrorism and bringing order into the country. That notwithstanding, attempts at stabilizing the area can be prejudiced by introduction of new arms into the region where such arms are not regulated. Such large amounts have raised concern that if these leaflets fell in the wrong hands especially the militia groups in Somalia then the attacks within the country and across the border in Ethiopia are likely to worsen.
International cooperation has been called for.
Due to this Ethiopia has called on the international community to ensure there is a rigorous scrutiny regarding any arms supply to Somalia.
The leadership of the country wants more checks from other entities such as United Nation so as to starve the extreme factions with the weapons.
But it is worth realizing that Ethiopia has urged the other countries in the region to join it in fighting what it regards as the vice of arms proliferation.
Other neighbors that are similar to Ethiopia, include Kenya and Djibouti, which have also been victims of insecurity belonging to Somalia. These nations want to increase partnership for a purpose of improving security between the borders and reducing the inflow of the banned weapons to make sure that the region is secure.
A path forward: security and peace as top priorities
It is a right time for Ethiopia to call for international supervision and collaboration in the horn of Africa region. There are tensions in different areas of the region, therefore governments should focus on the security and strive for stability.
In the case of Ethiopia the risks are high because any further escalation of conflict in Somalia may directly affect it.
In the long run, there should be an effort to enhance regional cooperation and guarantee that force is employed to uphold the rightful attempts to bring order and order into any society.
In this way, Addis Abeba plans to avoid potential threats connected with the recent arms shipment and ensure the future of the whole Horn of Africa cooperating with Somalia and other regional partners.
Therefore, viewpoint of Ethiopia regarding arms shipment to Somalia substantiates the vulnerability of the region and thus requires cautious handing of arms transfers.
While the country is still struggling with its own internal issues that should be enough reason for the international players to respond positively to the call by Ethiopia for everyone to come together and ensure that the area remains peaceful.
