BELEDWEYNE (Halbeeg News) – Hirshabelle state leader, Mohamed Abdi Waare has expressed concern over the souring relations between Djibouti and Somali.
Djibouti this week said it was unhappy with Somalia’s calls for the lifting of the United Nations sanctions on Eritrea.
Speaking to VOA Somali, Waare said the escalating tension would have an impact on the security of Hirshabelle State.
Hundreds of Djibouti soldiers operating under the framework of African Union are supporting Hirshabelle state in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
“In fact, the tension caused the changes in the Horn of Africa has affected us. I felt sad about the disappointment of our Djibouti brothers,” said Waare.
He called upon both leaders of Somalia and Djibouti to solve the issue at the negotiating table.
The sentiment of Hirshabelle leader is reminiscent of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo’s statement calling for the removal UN sanctions against Eritrea.
Djibouti on its part hit back Somalia saying it would not “tolerate ruthless talks while our young men and women are yet here defending Somalia’s peace and stability.”
The Tiny Eastern African nation said the economic restrictions imposed on Eritrea in 2009 were due to Asmara’s refusal to withdraw troops from their disputed border and for its alleged support of Somalia-based Al Shabaab jihadist group.
“It is unacceptable to see brotherly Somalia support Eritrea which is occupying part of our territory and still denying having Djiboutian prisoners,” a statement on Wednesday from the Djiboutian embassy read.
In 2008, Djibouti and Eritrea clashed over the ownership of Dumeira mountain and Dumeira island.
The fighting claimed the lives of dozens of soldiers from both sides.
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