In Preparation for Announcing Somaliland Recognition, Ethiopian Soldiers Cross into Somalia Border
Tomorrow, June 26, marks the 64th anniversary of the Republic of Somaliland’s independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1960
Somaliland is about to attain worldwide recognition, a goal that has been long-awaited for 33 years. The people and leaders of Somaliland have persevered in their efforts in the face of setbacks and disappointments, and they are now more near than ever to realizing their dream.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that on June 26, 202 – a day the nation is celebrating the anniversary of its birth day after 64 years – Ethiopia would declare the recognition of Somaliland’s statehood.
In anticipation of this momentous geopolitical event in the Horn of Africa, it is believed that Ethiopian soldiers entered Somalia without the federal government’s approval in order to quell any turmoil that may follow this revelation.
According to a BBC Amharic report published on Sunday, which cited residents from the area, thousands of heavily armed government soldiers crossed Hiran administrative zone via Mataban District.
Residents from Mataban town have confirmed to BBC Somali service that they saw heavily armed Ethiopian troops in the town.
Beshir Abderahiman, head of the town administration is cited as saying that the troops were Chasing Al-Shabab Forces crossing the border without Somali government permission but have returned to Ethiopia. He estimated the number of Ethiopian troops at about 3,000. However, others estimate the number to be between 3,000 and 4,000.
The Ethiopian troops reportedly were posted at Ferfer, one of the border towns along the Ethiopia- Somalia border, crossing the border to Somalia on Friday.
Regarding how the Ethiopian troops returned to Ethiopia, it was said that there was a conversation between Ethiopian troops, the Hiran Region Administration, and the Somali Federal government but no further detail was given.
BBC noted that the Ethiopian government has not remarked about the border crossing of Ethiopian soldiers.
Al-Shabab has repeatedly attempted to infiltrate its fighters into Ethiopia through the Somali region of Ethiopia but they were all foiled by Ethiopian forces. In September 2023, the Ethiopian Defense Force said that it killed more than 300 Al-Shabaab fighters inside Somalia following an attack on Ethiopian troops. In July 2022, about 63 Al-Shabab forces were killed near the Ethiopian border.
Ethiopia still has about 10,000 troops in Somalia under the African Union Peacekeeping mission. However, the Somali Federal government asked for their withdrawal following political tension between the two countries after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland.
The Ethiopian troops were also chasing Al-Shabab fighters up to 70 kilometers inside the Somali border.