Kenyan Member of Parliament Farah Maalim has ignited a fresh diplomatic row with a blistering social media post accusing Ethiopia of systematically destabilizing Somalia for more than 30 years.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on March 30, the former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly said Ethiopia and other regional countries have no right to involve themselves in Somalia’s internal affairs unless explicitly invited by Mogadishu.
“Ethiopia has for the last 30-odd years destabilized Somalia,” Maalim wrote. He further alleged an “unholy alliance” consisting of Al-Shabaab, “sellout Somalis,” Western intelligence, the United Arab Emirates, and Ethiopia, all of which he said are working to keep Somalia in a prolonged failed state condition.
The remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia following Addis Ababa’s January memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Mogadishu condemned the deal, which would grant Ethiopia access to a naval base in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland, as a violation of its sovereignty.
Maalim, who hails from Kenya’s northeastern region bordering Somalia, has long been a vocal commentator on Somali affairs. His latest statements drew mixed reactions: some Somali nationalists applauded his defense of Somali sovereignty, while others accused him of inflaming regional divisions.
Neither the Ethiopian government nor Somalia’s federal authorities have issued an official response to Maalim’s allegations.
Analysts warn that such rhetoric could further complicate efforts to de-escalate diplomatic tensions in the Horn of Africa.