Abshir Aden Ferro, Chairman of Somalia’s Alliance for the Future Party (XIM), has delivered a scathing rebuke of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accusing him of destabilising the Horn of Africa and turning a domestic crisis into a regional geopolitical flashpoint.
“Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s actions have further deepened divisions within the region after already fracturing his own country,” Ferro said in a statement. “What was once a domestic failure has now been transformed into a broader geopolitical challenge – an attempt to shift blame and conceal past mismanagement.”
Ferro singled out Abiy’s aggressive posture over port access as a major cause for concern, arguing it has undermined previously cooperative relationships with neighbouring countries.
“His confrontational stance on port access has severely damaged trust between Ethiopia and its neighbours – relationships that were once grounded in mutual respect and collaboration.”
Escalation and External Involvement
Ferro warned that the rising tension has not gone unnoticed by global actors. “External powers are now increasingly engaged,” he said, citing Egypt – a key U.S. ally in Africa – as one example of nations beginning to assert influence in the Horn of Africa.
“This dangerous shift reveals how fragile the situation has become. The involvement of international players heightens the risk of broader conflict that could affect not just our region, but the world.”
“I’m ringing the bell of the highest alarm call. If this trajectory continues, we risk catastrophic consequences for both the global economy and international security.”
A Call for Regional Unity and Stability
As Chair of XIM, a party committed to peace, reform, and prosperity in Somalia, Ferro has repeatedly called for regional cooperation and governance rooted in accountability. He has criticised both local and regional leaders for actions that deepen division, instead of fostering unity.
“Now more than ever, Somalia – and the Horn of Africa – needs visionary leadership committed to peace, not provocation.”
XIM continues to advocate for democratic governance, economic progress, and a diplomatic approach to regional challenges. Ferro’s statement serves not only as a warning – but as a call to action for leaders to resist nationalism, reject militarised policies, and restore diplomacy before it is too late.
