Ethiopia’s deputy permanent representative to the African Union, Nebiyu Tedla, has accused Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi of having ties with the militant group Al-Shabaab. The diplomat’s comments came in response to recent statements made by Fiqi, who suggested that Somalia would support Ethiopian rebels if the Ethiopian government proceeds with its controversial port deal with Somaliland. This agreement has sparked tensions between the two nations, raising concerns over regional stability.

Tedla, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), expressed his dismay at what he described as “Al-Shabaab agents posing as government officials” in Somalia. He accused these officials of promoting hollow nationalist rhetoric while failing to function effectively beyond the capital, Mogadishu. The Ethiopian diplomat’s remarks highlight the fragility of the relationship between the two neighboring countries as they navigate complex territorial and political issues.

In his statement, Tedla also warned that such inflammatory remarks from Somali officials would lead the country into further chaos. He emphasized that Somalia’s fragile progress, achieved over the past several years, could be quickly undone if the government continues to support destabilizing forces. According to Tedla, the nationalist stance of officials like Fiqi, who prioritize narrow clan-based interests, would only serve to worsen the situation.

This diplomatic spat follows years of strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, exacerbated by territorial disputes and differing political alignments. Both nations are currently grappling with internal conflicts, and any escalation in tensions could have broader implications for peace and security in the Horn of Africa region.