Ethiopia has firmly denied allegations from Somalia about a supposed attack in the border town of Doolow on December 23, 2024. Responding to claims made by Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia expressed disappointment and clarified that its forces were not involved in any such incident. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of unity between the two nations, describing the accusations as unfortunate and unfounded.

In its statement, Ethiopia suggested that external actors might be exploiting the situation to sow discord and disrupt the progress made toward peace. Referring to these elements as “perennial spoilers of peace,” the ministry called for vigilance, urging both countries to resist attempts to destabilize the region. Ethiopia reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with Somalia to prevent misunderstandings and ensure such incidents do not recur. The tone of the message was clear: collaboration and dialogue should take precedence over conflict.

Ethiopia also took the opportunity to highlight the progress made through the Ankara Declaration, a key framework aimed at fostering stronger ties and regional cooperation. It praised the commitment of both nations’ leadership, emphasizing that challenges like these should not derail the broader mission of building a peaceful and prosperous Horn of Africa. Ethiopia reiterated its dedication to nurturing fraternal relations with Somalia, underscoring the mutual benefits of a united approach to regional stability.