The Role of Ethiopia in the Crisis in South West Raises Questions

Baydhaba (Caasimada Online) – As the security situation in South West Somalia continues to deteriorate, questions have been raised about Ethiopia's role in the turmoil within the administration, as their forces are present in the regions of Bay and Bakool, which are among the areas experiencing conflicts and military movements.

The Ethiopian government has been accused of being part of the political and security tensions in the regions of the South West Somalia administration, with concerns expressed about their military movements and the impact they may have on the stability of the region.

Reports indicate that Ethiopian forces are present alongside armed militias described as Al-Shabaab, having taken control of towns including Buurhakaba, which has led to a reluctance to ensure the security of the districts in which they operate.

Currently, there are clashes between government forces and others loyal to the former president of that administration, Abdicasis Hassan Mohamed (Lafta-gareen), and the security situation in areas of the Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle regions is precarious.

A report published by Red Sea Axis, citing local sources, states that Ethiopian forces have deliberately withdrawn from towns in the Bay region, facilitating the takeover by armed militias.

The report indicates that the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from bases where Al-Shabaab was previously expelled with difficulty is a dangerous matter that undermines the efforts of international partners supporting the Federal Government of Somalia, particularly in the state-building and financial support from the European Union since 2007.

} Additionally, the report highlighted that the United Arab Emirates is involved in the conflict, funding the war in South West, further fueling the ongoing violence in the area.

However, these issues are raising significant concerns, as Ethiopia recently opposed the conference held in Egypt regarding the Security of the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, with a strongly worded article published by the Ethiopian News Agency criticizing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who participated in the conference.