The Somali Regional State of Ethiopia has confirmed for the first time that troops trained by the Federal Government of Somalia entered Ethiopian territory. The matter is now being handled through an official process involving cooperation between the two countries.
The region’s security chief, Abdulqadir Rashid Duale, said the troops recently arrived in Jigjiga after crossing the Somalia–Ethiopia border. He noted that the soldiers had been divided into groups and that procedures were now underway in accordance with agreements between the two governments.
Duale said the troops did not enter Ethiopia through a formal process that clearly specified the purpose of their journey. However, efforts are underway to bring the situation into compliance with the laws and procedures of both countries.
He added that the matter is now being handled by the legal and diplomatic authorities of Somalia and Ethiopia, who are working together to find an official resolution to the troops’ situation.
The official also said the public would be provided with verified information and official updates regarding the matter, warning against spreading unconfirmed reports that could cause confusion.
Meanwhile, available information indicates that the troops had been stationed inside Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State for some time before later being moved to the city of Dire Dawa.
Reports further indicate that the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia have discussed the situation of the troops, and that they may be returned to Somalia by air.
The soldiers were part of thousands of troops trained this year in Somalia’s Galgaduud region. The Federal Government of Somalia said they were being prepared for operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group.
However, following the conclusion of training for hundreds of these soldiers, reports emerged that they had crossed into Ethiopia carrying the weapons provided to them by the government during their training.
The incident has raised questions about the troops’ status, why they crossed the border, and what measures the two governments will take to resolve the situation.
The Somali Regional State of Ethiopia has confirmed for the first time that troops trained by the Federal Government of Somalia entered Ethiopian territory. The matter is now being handled through an official process involving cooperation between the two countries.
The region’s security chief, Abdulqadir Rashid Duale, said the troops recently arrived in Jigjiga after crossing the Somalia–Ethiopia border. He noted that the soldiers had been divided into groups and that procedures were now underway in accordance with agreements between the two governments.
Duale said the troops did not enter Ethiopia through a formal process that clearly specified the purpose of their journey. However, efforts are underway to bring the situation into compliance with the laws and procedures of both countries.
He added that the matter is now being handled by the legal and diplomatic authorities of Somalia and Ethiopia, who are working together to find an official resolution to the troops’ situation.
The official also said the public would be provided with verified information and official updates regarding the matter, warning against spreading unconfirmed reports that could cause confusion.
Meanwhile, available information indicates that the troops had been stationed inside Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State for some time before later being moved to the city of Dire Dawa.
Reports further indicate that the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia have discussed the situation of the troops, and that they may be returned to Somalia by air.
The soldiers were part of thousands of troops trained this year in Somalia’s Galgaduud region. The Federal Government of Somalia said they were being prepared for operations against the Al-Shabaab militant group.
However, following the conclusion of training for hundreds of these soldiers, reports emerged that they had crossed into Ethiopia carrying the weapons provided to them by the government during their training.
The incident has raised questions about the troops’ status, why they crossed the border, and what measures the two governments will take to resolve the situation.
