Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske Selassie called upon the actors to immediately stop their reckless actions in the Horn of Africa and urged the international community to recognize the imminent risk originating from this irresponsible act.

Speaking on the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), Foreign Minister Taye stated that the recent maneuvers of actors from outside the Horn of Africa region would undermine the hard-won war against terrorism.

‘We therefore call upon these actors to immediately stop their reckless actions. We also call on the international community to recognize the imminent risk originating from this irresponsible act and to take concrete measures to prevent the loss of hard-won gains in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.’

Explaining the recent security situation across the Red Sea region and Indian Ocean, FM Taye said we see a great need to chart a new path for inclusive maritime security engagement with equal participation of
countries.

Furthermore, terrorism continues to be a grave threat to the peace and security of the Horn of Africa, he pointed out.

The Foreign Minister elaborated that the growing rise of violent extremism like Al Shabaab and its international and internal affiliates have continued their vicious attack against civilians and security of the region.

He recalled that the East African region has reached a milestone in degrading terrorism through the resilience of the people of Somalia and the sacrifice of the sons and daughters of Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda and his country, Ethiopia.

The authorization of the Security Council and the International Finance for the African Union peace Support operation has indeed played an instrumental role, he pointed out.

In this regard, the Minister urges Somalia’s offices to recognize the tremendous sacrifices that have been made.

‘I’m confident the government of Somalia will soon reckon with and recognize the sacrifice we made to Somalis liberation from the grip of t
errorist groups.’

Mentioning Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, Taye revealed that it is based on existing political dispensation in Somalia.

‘Our objective is shared growth and prosperity in the region. Similar agreements have been concluded by other states, and there is no reason for the government of Somalia to incite hostility that obviously intends to cover internal political tensions.’

The Foreign Minister also rejected the unfounded allegation levied against his country.

‘Ethiopia’s name can never be associated with any one of the allegations. I rather call on the federal government of Somalia to join hands to eliminate terrorist groups that are causing chaos and mayhem on the people of the region.’

The recent maneuvers of actors from outside the Horn of Africa region undermine these efforts, according to him.

Nevertheless, Taye underscored that Ethiopia will not be deterred from its resolute commitment to combating terrorism.

And finally, the Minister reiterated Ethio
pia’s commitment for the maintenance of global peace and security, and upholding multilateralism.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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