Addis Abeba– Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed dismay at Somalia’s accusation of Ethiopian forces’ involvement in an incident in the town of Doolow, calling the claim “not true” and attributing the situation to “certain elements intent on derailing the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.”
In a statement issued on 24 December, the Ministry said the incident was “instigated by certain elements” who are “intent on destabilizing the Horn of Africa” and described them as “perennial spoilers of peace in the region.” It added that such actors “should not be allowed to frustrate the commitment of the two countries to peace as expressed in the Ankara Declaration.”
The response follows Somalia’s earlier condemnation of what it called a “blatant act of aggression” by Ethiopian forces in the border town of Doolow. Somalia alleged that Ethiopian troops had launched an “unprovoked and unexpected attack” on Somali National Army (SNA), National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and Somali Police Force bases, reportedly causing fatalities and injuries.
Somalia described the attack as a violation of the Ankara Declaration and regional principles, while noting its timing was particularly concerning as it coincided with “ongoing peace efforts.”
Ethiopia stated it would “continue working with the relevant agencies of the Federal Government of Somalia to prevent similar incidents” and reaffirmed its commitment to “revitalize and deepen the fraternal relations between the two countries in the spirit of the Ankara Declaration.”
The accusation from Somalia came hours after the country announced that a high-level delegation, led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar, had traveled to Addis Abeba to reinforce commitments under the Ankara Declaration.
Earlier reports from Doolow detailed clashes involving Somali federal forces, Jubaland regional troops, and Ethiopian patrols in key areas, including the local airport. Somalia warned against further incidents, stating it “will not remain silent in the face of such violations” of its sovereignty.
Ethiopia emphasized the importance of the Ankara Declaration and highlighted “the resolve and courage of the leaders of the two countries” to strengthen bilateral ties and foster peace in the Horn of Africa. AS
