DAY #4 OF ETHIOPIA’S IMMINENT INVASION OF SOMALIA AND CHINA REMAINS MUM

Historically, China is known as a staunch supporter of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, since China has started investing heavily in Ethiopia and Kenya, it has become a de facto partner of these two countries, and of course, one that exploits Somalia to the fullest degree, mainly marine degradation through bottom trawling fishing fleets, and non payment of fees and taxes levied on China’s undersea cables that traverse in Somalia’s territorial waters.

In addition, China, through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for digital dominance in Africa, has invested in Kenya and tacitly encouraged Kenya to claim Somalia’s territorial waters. Together with Kenya, China has to date avoided paying fees and taxes to Somalia for the undersea cables that go through Somalia waters, which is one of many reasons Kenya claims Somalia’s territorial waters.

To make matters worse, China has remained silent on Somalia-Kenya legal battles, but is accused of, behind the scenes, working with Kenya to the detriment of Somalia.

Now that Ethiopia’s invasion of northern Somalia is underway, China by remaining silent, for all intents and purposes, has sided with Ethiopia. And all along, China has also been accused by many of tacitly working behind the scenes with Ethiopia.

Examples of China’s double dealings to the detriment of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity include, undersea cable landing on Saylac coast already planned with Ethiopia, and work is underway. A 1,700 KM train tracks to Saylac has also been in the works since 2021.

With China playing geopolitical games of high brinksmanship, why doesn’t Villa Somalia summon China’s Ambassador Fei Shengchao and pop the question, “is China a friend of Somalia or a foe?” And while at it, ask Ambassador Fei, why does he so often meet with Muktar Mohamed Ware of Abiy Ahmed’s Oromo ethnic group, Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary (a diplomat who has the power to sign treaties on behalf of their country) of Ethiopia in Mogadishu?

Time to discount China along with deceitful UAE and bring in real allies and the Turkish Navy.

Daljir Media | Contributed to by Daljir staff in Garoowe, Mogadishu and Nairobi