WASHINGTON (SD) – The National Interest newspaper published in the United States, posted an opinion piece indicating that he Ethiopian government is preparing for an offensive to seize the coastal town of Zeila in Somaliland.

According to the report, Prime Minister Abi Ahmed Ali has decided to revive the Ethiopian claim of ownership of Zeila.

The article, written by security expert Michael Rubin, says the issue is part of a US-China rivalry in the region.

According to The National Interest, the Addis Ababa government is facing a major challenge in its fight against the TPLF, and has decided to move in a new direction, to distract the Ethiopian people.

Zeila, a historic town in the Awdal region of Somaliland, is close to the Djibouti border, while Borama is about 150 miles, and 170 miles from Berbera. This city has a long history, and is said to have been the seat of great empires.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali announced in 2018 that Ethiopia, a landlocked country will have Africa’s largest navy.

Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, after Nigeria, has had no access to a sea since the break-up with Eritrea, with 95% of its imports coming through Djibouti’s ports.

The Ethiopian government currently has 19% stake in the Berbera Port, which is being renovated and expanded by United Arab Emirates DP World.

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Is Ethiopia Preparing for War on Somaliland?