Djibouti says Eritrea arming militias to destabilize Horn of Africa

October 25, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – Djibouti accused the Eritrean government of training and arming militia in order to destabilize its government and spread chaos.

“Eritrea is exporting chaos. Exporting chaos has become routine in Eritrea,” Djibouti’s foreign minister Mahmoud Ali Youssef told reporters in Cairo after talks with Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.

“They have started training militias and arming them to carry out sabotage in Djibouti, just as they support elements in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia,” he added.
The minister further accused Eritrea of supporting Somali group of Al-Shebab that Washington says linked to Al-Qaeda.

The U.N. Security Council, the African Union and Washington have all warned Asmara against destabilising Somalia, and a move to impose sanctions has gathered speed, with Britain joining a chorus of states willing to punish Eritrea.

Tension between the Horn of Africa countries has been high since April 16, 2008 when Eritrean troops raided Ras Doumeira, which both sides claim, as it pursued deserters.

The neighbours fought for control of the area in 1996 and 1999 and have never held talks to resolve the dispute. Last June clashes were the first since eight years.

(ST)