By Horn Africa News
BELED-HAWO — Rising tensions in Somalia’s Gedo region are threatening to damage relations between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, raising fresh concerns over stability along their shared border.
Local sources report that a combination of political disputes, clan rivalries, and competing territorial claims in Gedo has intensified in recent weeks. Some Somali officials have accused Ethiopia of providing covert support to certain local factions in a bid to expand its influence in the area. Ethiopia has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.”
The renewed mistrust comes just months after Ethiopia’s controversial port access agreement with Somaliland — a move that Somalia’s federal government denounced as a violation of its sovereignty. The deal has since cast a shadow over bilateral relations, with Gedo emerging as the latest flashpoint.
Strategic Region at the Heart of the Dispute
The Gedo region, located in southwestern Somalia, borders both Ethiopia and Kenya, making it strategically vital for cross-border trade, security coordination, and humanitarian access. Analysts warn that prolonged instability in Gedo could disrupt critical counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda–linked militant group that has exploited instability in Somalia’s border regions for over a decade.
Diplomatic Exchange and Local Fears
Somalia’s federal government has urged Ethiopia to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that cross-border security cooperation must be based on mutual trust. Ethiopian authorities, in response, have called for “constructive dialogue” to address concerns and prevent further deterioration of relations.
On the ground, residents in Gedo fear that if tensions are not resolved, the region could face renewed violence, displacement of communities, and disruption to local markets that rely heavily on cross-border trade. Humanitarian agencies have also warned that escalating tensions could hinder aid delivery in an area already struggling with drought and insecurity.
Regional Concerns and Mediation Prospects
Diplomatic observers note that this crisis highlights the fragility of Somalia–Ethiopia relations, which have repeatedly been tested by security concerns, political disagreements, and deep-rooted historical grievances. The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are closely monitoring developments, with early indications that both may be prepared to mediate if the standoff continues.
For now, both governments are publicly committed to dialogue — but with mistrust growing and Gedo’s political climate worsening, the risk of a deeper diplomatic rift remains high.
