Ethiopia Accused of Involvement in the Turmoil in South West Somalia

MUQDISHO – The Ethiopian government has been accused of playing a role in the conflict and political and security turmoil in the regions of South West Somalia, as published reports have raised questions about the movements of Ethiopian troops and their impact on the security situation in the region.

These accusations emerge at a time when South West is experiencing political and military clashes related to the leadership dispute of the administration, with the security situation in areas of the Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle regions still being precarious.

A report published by Red Sea Axis, citing local sources, states that Ethiopian troops have deliberately withdrawn from towns in the Bay region, facilitating the takeover by armed men described as Al-Shabaab.

The report indicated that the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from bases where Al-Shabaab had previously been heavily removed is a dangerous matter that undermines the efforts of the International Community in the state-building of Somalia and the financial support of the European Union, which has spent up to 3 billion dollars on the security of Somalia since 2007.

The report also mentioned allegations regarding funds reportedly from the United Arab Emirates being used to finance the war in South West, with claims of bribing military officials stationed in parts of the Bay region to vacate their posts.

The Ethiopian forces transferred a military base to the Somali National Army in August 2026. According to the Red Sea Axis report, this move has raised questions about the capacity of Somali forces to ensure security in areas from which foreign troops are withdrawing.

The administration of South West State has reported that a plan established by Israel, funded by the Emirates, is underway, while Ethiopia and members of Kenya have been accused of facilitating its implementation. The plan is set to begin in South West State, with the intention of expanding to other regions in southern Somalia ahead of the elections expected to take place in the country in 2027.

These matters are raising significant concerns, as the United Arab Emirates has been accused of playing a major role in the conflicts in Libya, Sudan, and the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, with Somalia now becoming a victim of foreign interference competing for the Red Sea.