The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned what it calls “unauthorized arms shipments from neighboring Ethiopia” to Puntland region. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somalia described the arms transfer as a “violation of the country’s sovereignty and a threat to regional security.”
The Somali government expressed deep concern over the alleged delivery of two lorries filled with weapons to Puntland, accusing Ethiopia of undermining Somalia’s stability by facilitating these shipments without the federal government’s approval. The Ministry’s statement read, “We demand an immediate halt to these unauthorized arms shipments and call on international partners to support peace efforts in the Horn of Africa.”
Relations between Somalia’s federal government and Puntland have been strained in recent months, particularly concerning issues of governance and autonomy. Despite the federal government’s condemnation, Puntland has yet to issue an official response to the accusations. However, tensions between the administrations could escalate further due to these allegations.
Ethiopia has not yet responded to Somalia’s claims regarding the arms deliveries. This silence adds to the uncertainty surrounding the issue.
Notably, no international peacekeeping forces, such as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), are present in Puntland. The region’s forces have been engaged in intense military operations against terror groups, including Al Shabab and ISIS, but the introduction of new weaponry from Ethiopia raises concerns over the balance of power and stability.
Two months ago, Violent clashes broke out in Abudwak city between local residents and security forces over the seizure of two trucks carrying a large cache of weapons from Ethiopia . The confrontation resulted in two deaths so far and several injuries, escalating tensions in the central Galguduud region.
The violence erupted after residents intercepted the trucks, which were reportedly carrying weapons and ammunition Ethiopia. The arsenal included both heavy and light weaponry, such as artillery, mortar shells, and other military-grade arms, suggesting it was intended for a substantial military force. The government attributed the presence of the weapons in Abudwak to the activities of businessmen involved in illegal arms trading.
Somalia’s government has called on international partners to intervene and help prevent further destabilization. The federal government emphasized the need for concerted peace efforts to maintain stability in the Horn of Africa, a region already grappling with multiple security challenges.
The unauthorized arms transfer comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as Somalia prepares for continued efforts to strengthen national security while battling insurgent groups.
