Tensions are escalating in the Beled-Xawo district of Gedo region, after senior Ethiopian military officials visited Doolow town yesterday, where they met with traditional elders and officials from the Jubaland administration.
Ethiopian officials have made it clear that they will not accept any action that could jeopardize the security of Ethiopia’s border, and have directly demanded that the Somali Federal Government forces withdraw from Beled-Xawo district, where they have recently been fighting government and Jubaland forces.
Ethiopian military officials have said that the group currently in control of Beled-Xawo (referring to the federal government forces) is a threat to the security of the border region, which they warn could lead to war and further chaos.
Ethiopia has also denied allegations that its troops in Doolow attacked a facility belonging to the Somali Intelligence Agency (NISA). They said that they did not carry out any airstrikes, and that they do not want any confrontation.
The Governor of Gedo region, Abdullahi Abdi Jama (Shimbir), confirmed that Ethiopia has demanded the withdrawal of government forces from Beled-Xawo, but said that the decision regarding Beled-Xawo is the responsibility of the central government. He stressed that there is no plan to withdraw federal forces from Beled-Xawo district.
The governor also said that talks are underway between the Federal Government of Somalia and Ethiopia to defuse the situation and prevent a new war in the region.
This comes as the Jubaland administration has previously warned that a new war could break out in Gedo, after Beled-Xawo was taken over by the Federal Government forces. Jubaland has said that Beled-Xawo will not be out of their hands, and they are ready to retake it.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia seems to be very concerned about any military movement near its border, especially Beled-Xawo, which it sees as a strategic location.
The tension in Beled-Xawo has escalated again, with pressure from Ethiopia on the Federal Government. The outcome of the talks between Ethiopia and the Federal Government is awaited, which could be an opportunity to defuse the situation, if not end in new violence.
