Ethiopia-Somaliland deal bad for Italy-Africa partnership, Somalia President tells summit

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has warned that the Italy-Africa partnership will not work under conditions such as his country's row with Ethiopia over a maritime deal with Somaliland.

In his address at the Italy-Africa Summit in Rome on Monday, which representatives from at least 25 African countries are attending, Hassan said, "It is untenable if one African state decides to break international laws by attempting to annex the territory of another, as Ethiopia has unsuccessfully attempted to do in my country."

The Somali President was referring to what it terms a violation of its sovereignty by Ethiopia, following its signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland on January 1, 2024, for access to the sea as it is landlocked. Ethiopia is seeking to lease a 20 km marine base from Somaliland for its navy, in exchange for recognition and a stake in the national Ethiopian Airways.

Following the deal, tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have simmered with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Hassan both maintaining hard stances but also stating that they want a peaceful resolution. Ethiopia argues that it is simply trying to find solutions for a people facing many challenges due to lack of sea access. PM Abiy has also said their goal is not annexation.

At the Rome summit, President Hassan reiterated that his country does not take the matter lightly and that there will be “no room” for mediation with Ethiopia. He further explained the long-term effects of implementing the Mou.

"The illegal action will cause tensions, conflict, and regional stability if it is not retracted. This will, in turn, exacerbate the migration, mobility, and security challenges we are here to address together," he told the meeting that Prime Minister Abiy also attended.

He stressed the importance of respecting a country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying this is necessary for effective international cooperation and progressive change.

Migration challenge

Migration is a key subject as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for a "new page" in relations with Africa, focused on energy and stopping migration across the Mediterranean.

Meloni, who came to power in 2022 on an anti-migrant ticket, unveiled a much-hyped plan for Africa focused on a "non-predatory" approach inspired by Enrico Mattei, the post-war founder of Italy's state-owned energy giant Eni, as reported by AFP.

On the subject of migration, President Hassan addressed concerns about the perilous journeys migrants take across the Mediterranean, which he noted are worsened by human traffickers.

"In Somalia, factors like insecurity, limited economic opportunities, and climate change drive migration," he said, while also highlighting Africa's significant contribution to Europe's reconstruction and growth through migration.

He cited benefits, for both Europe and Africa, via remittances, knowledge transfer and diaspora investments, as well the way in which migration has helped to change history.

To address the multiple challenges facing Africa and the world, Hassan noted the need for global solutions.

The summit, themed ‘A bridge for a common growth", discussed Italy’s proposed ‘Mattei Plan’ for Africa. The plan, to cost around €5.5 billion, envisages enhancing energy cooperation with African countries as well as supporting them in the education, health care, water, sanitation, agriculture and infrastructure sectors.