Asymmetric conflict in Somalia and Sudan and its impact on Ethiopia
via The Reporter Ethiopia12 min read
Somalia's national army recently took control of Baidowa in the South West State, a strategic city that has hosted international peacekeepers. This military operation followed the South West State administration's intent to sever ties with the federal government in Mogadishu, leading to the resignation and flight of President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. Analysts suggest that Mogadishu's military strength, evident in this operation, is bolstered by support from Turkiye and Egypt, a departure from Somalia's historical reliance on Ethiopian forces. A geopolitical analyst noted that Turkiye and Egypt are militarily supporting Hassan Sheikh's government to secure their strategic interests, potentially undermining Ethiopia's role in Somalia's security and raising concerns about Al-Shabaab's resurgence near the Ethiopian border. Simultaneously, the conflict in Sudan has escalated near the Ethiopian border in the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, with the Rapid Support Forces RSF and Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North SPLM-N launching offensives against the Sudanese Armed Forces SAF. This fighting impacts strategic areas for illicit trade between Ethiopia and Sudan, and the Sudanese portion of Kurmuk, vital for its proximity to the Roseires Dam. The Ethiopian Institute of Foreign Affairs IFA published a paper highlighting the Muslim Brotherhood's MBH influence in regional conflicts, particularly in Sudan and Somalia, and its alleged support from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, a
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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