Somalia and Egypt: A Dangerous Alliance A Call for Unity and Vigilance – Somali Region of Ethiopia

During my weekend reading, I explored the recent upheavals in the Horn of Africa. Numerous commentators have opportunistically entered the discourse, perceiving it as their chance to sway public opinion through deceptive political maneuvers. I was particularly struck by the actions of several activists who are attempting to revive outdated strategies via tweets and other social media platforms. The current rhetoric and voices advocating for Somali nationalism have been co-opted by ailing elite activists, seemingly determined to exacerbate the hardships of communities like those in the Somali Region, who are just beginning to enjoy peace and stability. These individuals, often residing comfortably in the diaspora with their children attending prestigious schools—or, in some cases, without children and thus lacking empathy for the impoverished youth back home—appear to derive satisfaction from the suffering of the local populace. They seek transient fame and unearned wealth at the expense of our community’s well-being.

The era of pundits exploiting our people is drawing to a close. The Somali Region is a cradle of brilliance, where experts across various fields are tirelessly working to uplift our community. Over the past six years, we have witnessed remarkable improvements in the quality of life. This progress, despite the challenges, is a testament to our resilience. As we continue to heal from the scars of subjugation, arbitrary arrests, killings, and poor governance, we are now firmly on the path to progress. It is imperative that we unite to protect our people from regressing into those dark times.

Today, we confront adversaries emerging from the shadows, intent on sowing chaos and calamity among us. We must resolutely reject their destructive agendas. Just as the well-being of a mother ensures the well-being of her child, we must acknowledge a fundamental truth: too many shortsighted individuals, absorbed in their own lives, attempt to propagate the notion that we are our own worst enemies. They urge us to seize opportunities born from the failures of those who could not make their homeland a place worth living. If we lose sight of our identity, we become our own adversaries.

The claim that the people are good but the system is flawed is deceptive propaganda aimed at bringing us back to the calamities of the past. We must remain vigilant and seize the moment to advance rather than sabotage our own progress.

Unfortunately, those in Mogadishu are trying to use every conceivable tactic to create pushback or, even worse, such as trying to call those types of pundits either from the Somali Region or beyond other regions that may happen to have some armed operations in the nation. As to the Somali Region, we should stand tall and united and reject external forces that want to destabilize our region for their political benefit. With an eye blink, they will sell us to any bidder who wants to destabilize the nation, such as foreign hostile countries which has no good heart for us and our nation.

The regional political leaders, encompassing both opposition and ruling party members, alongside esteemed elders, intellectuals, and all citizens, must remain ever vigilant against those who seek to exploit opportunistic interests for personal gain. By presenting a unified front and conveying a resolute message to our adversaries, we can effectively thwart their harmful intentions. Our unwavering commitment lies in promoting peace and fostering unity, not only within our own borders but also for our brethren in Somalia.

It is imperative to recognize the potential threat posed by weak leadership in Somalia, which may jeopardize the hard-earned political stability and hinder the establishment of a robust government capable of combating terrorism and achieving full statehood. Mere rhetoric alone will not suffice to dissuade those individuals seeking to profit from instability and disorder. These actors aim to destabilize their nation precisely at a juncture when they are poised to establish a more inclusive and efficient government for all of Somalia.

It is disheartening to contemplate the shift from a leader who won the presidency with a slogan to a nation that is at peace within its borders and with its neighbors. Mr. Hassan Sheikh, you have every right to protest if you feel threatened by your neighbors, but this must be done with a dedication that serves your nation and those who have supported and continue to support it. Inviting hostile nations that will not bring peace and protection is a misguided dream perpetuated under the guise of profiteering from your presidency.

A Word to the Wise: Do not be swayed by those who believe they can destabilize the Somali Region by resurrecting historical conflicts. Much has changed since those days. The path forward is paved with lessons learned, growth, and unity. The people of our two nations no longer harbor animosity but seek to heal past wounds and move forward in harmony. We urge your government to introspect and consider the perspectives of the Somali people. Identify the true adversaries of today and refrain from misdirecting your efforts. By doing so, you will be able to wield your strength against the genuine threats within your nation.

I have little more to add about the perils of involving Egypt in Somalia’s intricate clan dynamics. The likelihood that various tribal factions would perceive this as support for the Hawiye base is substantial, and such actions could swiftly backfire. While the strategy of aligning with the enemy of your enemy might seem advantageous in the short term, it carries the risk of severe political repercussions and could squander a critical opportunity for lasting stability in Somalia. Egypt, in particular, stands to lose the most, as it could find itself entangled in a far more problematic situation than anticipated. By pressuring Ethiopia to comply with Egypt’s dubious objectives, this strategy could ultimately lead to the installation of weak leaders in Somalia who serve Egypt’s interests. What initially appears as a strategic advantage could transform into a costly and difficult mission to extricate from. In both the short and long term, this could prove to be an ill-fated endeavor, fraught with unforeseen challenges and complications. It is never too late to reverse bad decisions. As the Somalis say, “Troubles have horns to hold but no tail to hold.” Think twice before you enter a hell that is hard to swim through.

As a nation, Ethiopia remains vigilant and forward-looking. We caution all those who seek to harm us that their efforts will not succeed, regardless of our current circumstances. Somalia’s security is intertwined with our own, making its safeguarding not merely imperative but indispensable. A final word to the Ethiopian military and civilian leaders: remain cautious in your discourse, avoiding statements or words that may appear congenerical and provide opportunities for those who seek to harm our nation. Let us stand united and resolute, ensuring that our actions and words reflect our commitment to peace and stability.

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