Somalia has accused Ethiopia of secretly supplying weapons to Puntland, saying it poses a serious threat to the country’s sovereignty and security. Somali officials have warned that such actions could destabilize the country, while Puntland has rejected the allegations.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa over Ethiopia’s Somaliland, which could escalate into regional conflicts if not resolved diplomatically.
Ethiopia’s Alleged Role in Supplying Arms to Puntland
According to reports, more than 200 weapons and thousands of bullets have been smuggled into Puntland over the past three months. Satellite data shows a 15 percent increase in cross-border movement between Ethiopia and Puntland, further raising concerns about the illegal transfer of weapons.
Somalia’s Response to Arms Supply Accusations
Somali officials say arms smuggling has increased by 30 percent since mid-2024, and intelligence reports suggest at least five different routes are being used to supply weapons from Ethiopia. In response, government agencies have increased border surveillance by 40 percent to prevent illegal arms shipments.
Regional Implications of Supplying Arms to Puntland
Armed clashes in Puntland have increased by 25 percent over the past year, and analysts say the influx of weapons could increase the conflict by 50 percent. Nearby areas have seen a 10 percent increase in smuggled weapons, raising concerns about regional instability.
Accusations of Ethiopia supplying arms to Puntland have created serious tensions in the region, threatening regional stability through increased arms smuggling. Somalia’s efforts to stop the flow of illegal weapons could be complicated by increased cross-border movement.
A diplomatic solution is urgently needed to prevent this situation from deteriorating further, and strong cooperation and monitoring among neighboring states is essential. If these issues are not addressed immediately, the balance of power in the region may be disrupted, creating an unstable and insecure environment. To control this crisis, coordinated and open dialogue at the diplomatic level is essential. All relevant parties must be aware that joint and active cooperation is needed to restore peace.
