The Federal Government of Somalia has strongly condemned what it described as an act of aggression by Ethiopian forces in the town of Doolow. The Somali government stated that the attack occurred on Monday, 23 December 2024, at approximately 10:00 AM.
According to a statement from the Somali government, Ethiopian forces launched an unprovoked and unexpected attack on positions held by the Somali National Army (SNA) in Doolow, located in the Gedo region.
The Somali government reported that the deliberate attack targeted three key bases manned by the Somali National Army, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and the Somali Police Force. The attack resulted in casualties, including fatalities and injuries, among Somali personnel stationed at these bases. Civilian residents in the area were also injured in the assault, the statement said.
“Tragically, during the attack, Ethiopian forces inflicted casualties, including fatalities and injuries to Somali personnel stationed at these bases,” the statement said. “Additionally, they injured civilian residents in the area.”
The Federal Government of Somalia said that the attack occurred at a time when it was “engaged in peacebuilding endeavours to advance the Ankara Declaration,” and that a high-level Somali delegation had been dispatched to Addis Ababa the same day.
The Somali government stated that it views the actions by Ethiopia as a violation of the Ankara Declaration, the principlesand Constitutive Act of the African Union, the Charter of the United Nations, and the norms of good neighbourly relations.
“Regrettably, these actions by Ethiopia constitute a blatant violation of the Ankara Declaration, the principles and Constitutive Act of the of the African Union, the Charter of the United Nations, and the norms of good neighborlyrelations,” the statement said.
The Federal Government of Somalia said it unequivocally denounces this provocation and similar actions that it says threaten peaceful coexistence in the region. It also said it would not remain silent in the face of what it described as violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The Federal Government of Somalia unequivocally denounces this provocation and similar actions that threaten peaceful coexistence in the region,” the statement said. “Furthermore, the Somali Federal Government warns that it will not remain silent in the face of such clear violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
