Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi has accused the Ethiopian government of “actively working to diminish Somalia’s regional support” by fostering negative perceptions and interfering in its internal affairs.
During a session with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Somali Parliament, Minister Fiqi criticized Ethiopia’s efforts to undermine Somalia’s relationships with its allies.
Minister Fiqi alleged that Ethiopia has been engaging with countries closely allied with Somalia, trying to persuade them that Somalia is resistant to dialogue over the contentious maritime agreement involving Somaliland. “Ethiopia wants Somalia to be viewed as aggressive and uncooperative,” Fiqi stated. He suggested that this strategy aims to isolate Somalia and reduce its international support by making other nations wary of aligning with it.
Furthermore, Fiqi accused Ethiopia of serious interference in Somalia’s internal matters, including training troops near the Somali borders and influencing regional governments. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s actions have led to an unjust portrayal of Somalia, affecting its diplomatic relationships.