Addis Ababa (WDN)- Ethiopia, which has been involved in Somalia’s affairs since the collapse of the Somali central government in  early 1990s, and later became part of the African Union peacekeeping forces stationed in many parts of Somalia, particularly with a strong presence in the South West State, has prompted many people to question the role of those Ethiopian troops based in the city of Baidoa in the takeover by forces of the Federal Government of Somalia, who on March 30 seized full control of the city.

Prominent Oromo politician Jawar Mohammed has reacted to the capture of Baidoa by Somali government forces and to the removal of Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen from power.

On his Facebook, Mr Jawar wrote: “The president of Southwest State, who had been backed by the Ethiopian military, was forced to vacate his seat by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is receiving support from Turkey and Egypt. Laftagareen had traveled to Addis Ababa a week earlier and had obtained assurances from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, yet despite that, the Ethiopian military forces stationed in Southwest State did not defend him.”

WardheerNews can’t confirm that President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen recently traveled to Ethiopia following his decision to sever ties with Villa Somalia.

Continuing his remarks, Jawhar said: “This means that Baidoa, which had effectively been under Ethiopian influence for nearly 20 years, may now move out of that sphere. Egypt and Turkey are expected to replace Ethiopia there. Likewise, Puntland, where Ethiopia has also had influence, is now on the verge of slipping out of Ethiopia’s control.”

He added: “Yesterday, messages were circulating suggesting that the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia might be pushed out of Puntland. This indicates that Ethiopia’s influence in Somalia is shrinking. We should remember that all of this stems from the strategic mistake made in seeking access to the sea through Somaliland.”

WardheerNews