Ethiopian Government Warns Warring Tribes Inside Somali Region of Dire Consequences

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Ethiopian Government Warns Warring Tribes Inside Somali Region of Dire Consequences

Tuesday, 20 March 2012 18:55

"Somaliland chiefs, sheikhs, elders are adding petrol to the fighting, instead of working towards peace and harmony"Reported by Mohamoud Ali, edited by Yumoha Pasha

HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) - The Ethiopian government has for the first time strongly commented on the fighting going inside the zone five Somali region, and advised all active parties fuelling the fighting to work instead to ending the problem which is of no interest of person, tribe or the governments of Somaliland and Ethiopian.

This was said by General Consular of Ethiopian Government in Somaliland, Brig. Gen, Berhe Tesfaye during an interview with Geeska adding that his government is aware that some Somaliland chiefs, sheikhs, elders are adding petrol to the fighting, instead of working towards peace and harmony.

Brig. Gen, Berhe, requested Somaliland government to advise its citizens to stop smuggling ammunition and guns inside Ethiopian border, as the Ethiopian government will not sit idle their activity thus drastic action.

Gen. Berhe Tesfaye said the Ethiopian government is sad about the unnecessary deaths that have occurred Said he "We are very sorry on the deaths and injuries that have occurred so far as both sides of combatants are our population, but, every person must abide by the rule of law, and government will not pardon who ever threatens government authority."

On the issue of Liyuu police killing civilians selectively from one tribe he said, "Ethiopian army is not tribal, Oromos, Somalis or else, every community who settles there and willing to work the government is welcome to join.

He further stressed on the fact that Ethiopian soldiers whether police or military are not permitted or has right to harm or kill innocent civilian, and if it happens they are accountable, on the other hand, it's not tolerated for people to take the law in their own hands, or kill government soldiers, as that will result in severe reprisal steps.

Said he "All Ethiopians are expected to abide by the rules and laws of Ethiopia and if they fight ,the government has means to tackle them and bring culprits to book."

Brig. Gen, Berhe, said that the Ethiopian government is are aware some Chiefs, Sheikh, Elders and others are active collecting ammunitions and guns to be smuggled inside Ethiopia. He request them to work on securing peace and harmony as fighting is not of interest of person, tribe, Somaliland or Ethiopian government.

Said he "I request Somaliland government to broadcast population engaged that activities to stop,"

As per mechanism to stop the fighting General consular of Ethiopian government in Somaliland, Brig. Gen. Berhe Tesfaye, said "Central government of Ethiopia, Somali region government and Somaliland government will cooperate on reaching lasting peace between populations of that region"