Ethiopia dismisses Somalia accusation over weapons smuggling as ‘provocative’

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Ethiopia’s government on Friday denied allegations that it had illegally smuggled truckloads of weapons into Somalia that were later seized by armed clan militias near the border town of Abudwaq in Galgadud region.

“The office of the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is closely following the repeated provocative statements by the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” spokesperson of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nebiyu Tedla said in a statement.

“It should be noted that Ethiopia is deeply concerned about the proliferation of trafficking of small arms and light weapons in the Horn of Africa. As the region is challenged by ongoing conflicts, unchecked coastal lines, as well as unsecured borders, it is imperative for countries in the region to coordinate their efforts in fighting such crimes.”