By Horn Africa News
DOOLOW — Rising tensions have gripped Somalia’s southwestern Gedo region following Ethiopia’s deployment of additional troops to the strategic border town of Doolow, igniting fears of a possible armed confrontation among local residents.
In recent hours, Ethiopian military reinforcements arrived in Doolow, where Ethiopian forces already maintain a presence. The buildup has caused alarm among civilians who worry the situation could quickly spiral into violence.
The troop increase comes just one day after Ethiopia’s reported deadline for the withdrawal of Somali federal forces from the nearby town of Beled Hawo expired. Ethiopia had demanded the pullout after recent clashes between Somali federal troops and Jubaland regional forces in the area.
Last week, Somali federal forces launched an operation that wrested full control of Beled-Hawo from Jubaland authorities, further deepening the political and security rift between Somalia’s central government and the Jubaland administration.
The arrival of extra Ethiopian troops — widely seen as support for Jubaland in the ongoing dispute — is being viewed by local observers as a dangerous escalation of the standoff.
“People are living in fear. They don’t know what will happen next,” a Doolow resident told Radio Shabelle on condition of anonymity.
Ethiopia’s increased military involvement in Gedo has sparked accusations of interference in Somalia’s internal affairs. While Ethiopia is a key contributor to The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the recent troop movements appear to fall outside of this mandate, lacking clear authorization.
The Somali federal government has remained largely silent regarding Ethiopia’s unilateral deployments, drawing criticism from political analysts and civil society leaders who warn that the crisis could escalate into a broader conflict.
The Gedo region has long been a hotspot in the ongoing rivalry between the federal government and Jubaland, with control of key towns frequently contested amid military and political tensions. The involvement of Ethiopian forces risks adding a complex external dimension to an already fragile security environment.
The reason Ethiopia has been able to carry out hostile actions in Somalia is due to traitors within the country who serve its interests.
However, Somali elder has urged Ethiopia to carefully reflect on history and consider the future consequences of its blatant violations of Somalia’s sovereignty. The elder also warns that this misguided ideology and these actions will ultimately fail, as Somalia rightfully belongs to the Somali people.
