Wednesday July 31, 2024
FILE - Somali Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi speaks during a parliamentary committee meeting on foreign affairs in Mogadishu, highlighting Ethiopia's attempts to undermine Somalia's international relations, July 2024.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia's Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, accused Ethiopia of trying to undermine Somalia's international relationships by portraying it as unwilling to engage in dialogue over a maritime dispute with Somaliland.
Fiqi told the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament that Ethiopia has approached several of Somalia's close allies, alleging that Somalia is not interested in resolving the maritime conflict. He said this is part of Ethiopia's strategy to weaken international support for Somalia.
"Ethiopia wants Somalia to be seen as the aggressor and unwilling to negotiate so that these countries, acting as mediators, withdraw their support for Somalia," Fiqi said.
The minister also accused Ethiopia of significant interference in Somalia's internal affairs, including influencing federal member states and training troops along the borders.
Fiqi dismissed reports that a passport issued by Somaliland could be used to travel to other countries, except for Ethiopia, calling these claims baseless.