Press Release: Somalia Expresses Grave Concern Over Unlawful Arms Shipment from Ethiopia to Puntland State of Somalia
For Immediate Release
Mogadishu, Somalia – 09/20/2024
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia strongly condemns the unauthorized shipment of arms and ammunition transported via Ethiopian territory to Somalia’s Puntland region. This action constitutes a grave infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty and poses serious national and regional security implications.
Documented evidence confirms the arrival of two lorries transporting weapons from Ethiopia to Puntland, executed without any diplomatic engagement or clearance, signalling a clear breach of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. The Somali government expresses deep concern about Ethiopia’s adherence to international law and dedication to regional stability.
This latest incident mirrors previous unauthorized arms shipments from Ethiopia, with reports of weapons being transported similarly to the Galmudug region and another cache flown into Baidoa via aircraft. Somalia demands an immediate cessation of these transgressions, as they endanger peace across the Horn of Africa. We call upon regional and international partners to denounce this violation and bolster collective efforts to uphold peace and stability in the region.
