Ethiopia strongly rebuts accusations of “meddling” in Somalia

On 2 January 2001, IRIN published a two-part article entitled “Ethiopia-Somalia An uneasy relationship”. The Ethiopian government has strongly rejected certain allegations made in that article and wishes to make the following points: “We have read with great disappointment IRIN’s article, “Ethiopia-Somalia An uneasy relationship”, Tuesday 2 January 2001, which contained nothing but malicious propaganda against Ethiopia. We are not sure such a biased analysis involving two countries is within the editorial policy of IRIN. Suffice to point out that, the curious lack of balance, neutrality and objectivity of the whole article gives resonance to our suspicion about the intention of the writer dragging into its content Ethiopia’s internal affairs, which, at least were wrongly premised. The whole approach and analysis of the article raises questions about the credibility and integrity of IRIN. The fact that the writer begins with reference to the unfriendly relations between the past governments in Ethiopia and Somalia and attempts to link it to the current situation clearly indicates the ill motive of the article. Today, there is a new leadership in Ethiopia - a leadership with a new vision, attitude, value, principle and policy not only towards Somalia but to all its neighbors. The current leadership and the government in Ethiopia does not have anything in common with the past regimes which contributed to the then unhealthy relations. It does not share any common value, ideology, psychology nor any vision with the past. In fact, the approach and commitment of the Ethiopian government to the problem facing our brothers in Somalia have, over the years, healed the wound of the past. Ethiopia’s continuous engagement and commitment to the peace efforts in Somalia, and hosting of hundreds of thousands of Somali brothers and sisters during their time of need has amply demonstrated the radical departure of the Ethiopian government from the past. It is in this regard that, we wish to protest in the strongest terms against this baseless accusations targeting the Ethiopian government alleged to be based on comments by regional experts. Thus, we have found it necessary to issue this statement to put in record straight regarding the distortions and propaganda that underpin this article. Allegations that the Ethiopian government is arming and hosting opposition leaders and back-pedalling on gestures of recognition for the new Somali government are completely unfounded and a pack of lies, to say the least. Equally, Ethiopia has never invaded Somalia nor are its troops in control of any Somali territory. Ethiopia’s overriding concern has been to search for durable peace and stability in Somalia, and has only taken appropriate measures against some terrorist groups, which in the past, made incursions into Ethiopia, with sinister motives, while exploiting the unfortunate situation of lack of central government in Somalia. Even though it is public knowledge that there are various Somali factions working against the new government in Mogadishu, Ethiopia’s track record and practices do not show anywhere any involvement in the internal affairs of that country. It is Ethiopia’s considered view that the solution to the crisis in Somalia can only come from Somalis themselves. Experience has shown that external solutions or those imposed will not last and cannot be sustainable. We know pretty well that Ethiopia’s role is limited to facilitation and to assist the efforts of the Somali people to achieve peace and national reconciliation. It should be recalled that, Ethiopia had been mandated by the OAU and IGAD to facilitate the peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Somalia, and therefore, it tried to do everything possible to shoulder this challenging responsibility vested on it. Thus, its relation with the various Somali groups or leaders was and still is in search of enduring peace and stability based on dialogue to achieve full national reconciliation. The March 1993 Addis Ababa and the January 1997 Sodere agreements are but few outstanding efforts and contributions Ethiopia had made. Ethiopia also made serious attempts to bring all external actors together through the Standing Committee on Somalia. We also wish to underline the fact that, Ethiopia has always been eager to and demonstrated its genuine desire to see a united and strong Somalia because it would be in the best interest of that country, and to Ethiopia too. A divided, disintegrated and weakened Somalia is a nightmare for Ethiopia. That is what we have experienced from the past 10 year’s situation in Somalia. What did Ethiopia benefit from the chaotic situation in Somalia? How would Ethiopia’s national interest be served from lack of central authority in Somalia? Ethiopia was faced with the problems of insecurity, influx of refugees, terrorist attacks and negative regional image. There was no partner government to promote bilateral as well as regional cooperation. As for the Transitional National Government, we wish to place on record the fact that, when the President of the Transitional Government of Somalia paid a three-day visit to Ethiopia last November, during which he held talks with H.E. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Ethiopia affirmed that the Arta conference which resulted in this government constituted a major achievement in the Somali peace process. Ethiopia’s position is that, it recognizes that the peace process needs to be complete by bringing on board the other Somali parties that did not participate at the Arta conference, and was encouraged that President Abdikasim shared this conviction. We also wish to underline that fact that, Ethiopia’s foreign policy objectives and practices have been peaceful co-existence and mutual co-operation with its neighbors including Somalia. Thus, any balanced and honest external or internal observers of its foreign policy activities, could surely acknowledge the fact that, there is therefore, no way Ethiopia would be bent at interfering with internal affairs of Somalia while well aware that this would not be in tune with the spirit of mutually beneficial relations with its neighbors. We, therefore, wish to make it abundantly clear that Ethiopia respects the territorial integrity of Somalia and has no intention of violating the sovereignty of that country nor to dictate or impose a solution to the Somalia problem. Like any other neighbour, Ethiopia cannot turn its back on what happens in Somalia, even if it wanted to. It has a stake in a peaceful and stable neighbor, since the Somalia crisis has had a negative effect on its national security interest. Finally, we wish to underscore the fact that, contrary to the outrageous allegation by the writer, Ethiopia will continue its positive efforts by maintaining contacts with leaders in Somalia and other interested parties to pursue dialogue and national reconciliation as the only means to achieve a broad-based arrangement and lasting peace in Somalia.”