Arms Trafficking in Horn Reinforces Terrorists, Destabilizes Region: Professor Ayele

Addis Ababa,October 18/2024(ENA)-The current arms trafficking in the horn of Africa will destabilize the region by further enhancing the heinous acts of terrorists, Head of Security and Strategic Education Department at the War College remarked. 

Ethiopia's foreign relations policy prioritizes neighboring countries and is based on cooperation for shared development and peace. 

The country is also acclaimed by the international community for its peacekeeping missions across the world particularly in Africa. 

The country has paid huge sacrifices especially for the neighboring countries including Somalia out of its genuine commitment to the peace and development of the region.

However, in recent times, the Egyptian authorities have turned their attention to Somalia by supplying weapons to the region in the guise of peacekeeping, which, according to observers endangers the peace and security of the region.

Egypt's engagement in Somalia is primarily motivated by its claim to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and a fruitless effort to put pressure on Ethiopia.

In an exclusive interview with ENA Professor Ayele Bekerie, Head of Security and Strategic Education Department at the War College, indicated that Egypt's current actions in the Horn of Africa can lead to a serious threat to the peace and security of the region.

He said that efforts to make the region a center of conflict and chaos by creating inappropriate interference in the East African region should be stopped as it is not beneficial to anyone.

"Ethiopia is a country that has made many sacrifices by sending its army to bring peace and stability to Somalia. The weapon transportation from Egypt must be condemned without hesitation as it affects all countries in the region by exacerbating the instability," Professor Ayele underlined.

Professor Ayele stated that the government of Somalia should not cooperate with those who are against Ethiopia's national interests and are trying to make the region a threat zone, urging countries in the region to cooperate to reverse the looming threat. 

 “The people of Somalia are also opposing this Egyptian conspiracy. They have to learn from Sudan. The Egyptian army was stationed in Sudan. During this period, the army transported  many weapons by supporting one of the warring parties. Currently, a serious civil war is going on in that country. This situation may also arise in Somalia. This will further strengthen al-Shabaab which is our common enemy and exacerbate instability in the region.”

He further stated that Ethiopia, which has a population of over 120 million, should continue its efforts to securing access to sea through a peaceful mechanism and the principle of give and take.