Africa

Ethiopia confiscates Somali trucks crossing border

April 13, 2011   ·   216823 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2Fethiopia-confiscates-somali-trucks-crossing-border-21682Ethiopia+confiscates+Somali+trucks+crossing+border2011-04-14+03%3A42%3A11Qalinle+Husseinhttp%3A%2F%2Fsomalilandpress.com%2F%3Fp%3D21682

LAS ANOD – Federal forces in the Ethiopian administered town of Shilabo in the Somali region detained more than ten trucks and buses belonging to Somali civilians on Tuesday.

Local sources said the Ethiopians accused the drivers of entering their territory illegally and requested they pay entry fees and tariffs on goods. The truckers said to be from Somalia’s central region of Galgadud were carrying goods and passengers to Shilabo when security forces intercepted.

When the forces tried to collect taxes from the carriers, they produced documents signed by the Sufi paramilitary group, Ahlu Sunna but the Ethiopians rejected it.

This is not the first time Ethiopian forces confiscated transport belonging to Somali traders accusing them of border violation and security breachings.

In late last month, Ethiopian customs supported by a military batallion seized 64 Somali trucks carrying livestock to Somaliland in Galgadud region. The forces immediately sealed the border between the Somali region and Somalia on several crossing points. The trucks were taken to Jigjiga and until now no one knows where abouts they are or some of the drivers.

Several months ago members of the Somali Diasporas announced the formation of Somali Central State, a semi autonomous region covering Galgadud region. Ethiopia was strongly opposed to the administration since it could poses danger to the Addis Ababa backed Ahlu Sunna group who also operate in central Somalia.

In March, Federal police stormed a hotel in Addis Ababa and detained two Somali nationals said to be the self-proclaimed President of Somali Central State, a regional administration for Galgadud, Mr. Mohamed Hashi Arabey and his vice. Some Somalis believe the latest crackdown against Galgadud carriers as an economic measure against the administration. Addis Ababa however maintains it is taking the steps for a variety of concerns ranging from security and smuggled goods to tariff evasion.

Somalilandpress | 13 April 2011

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By Qalinle Hussein