US pushes for dialogue on Ethiopia-Somalia tensions

The United States has urged Ethiopia and Somalia's leaders to resolve their tensions through dialogue and the support of neighbouring countries.

Following the January 1, 2024 port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, tensions have escalated, with Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud raising concerns about sovereignty and territorial integrity and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed saying he has to cater to his landlocked country's needs.

In an online briefing on Thursday, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee and Horn of Africa Special Envoy Mike Hammer emphasised the importance of Somaliland's status being determined by the Somali people, not external actors. They also urged respect for Somalia's sovereignty, particularly in the matter of port access.

Phee suggested resolving issues cooperatively with Somalia's federal government and neighbouring countries, promoting regional talks for a cooperative approach to economic and security integration.

She mentioned her discussions with leaders in Addis Ababa and Mogadishu to facilitate better communication between the two countries.

Phee further stressed that the region cannot afford further conflict, hence the need for de-escalation following the Ethiopia Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Ethiopia–Tigray peace deal

Hammer provided updates on the implementation of the Ethiopia–Tigray peace agreement, known as the Pretoria Agreement or the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, highlighting progress and remaining priorities for its success.

He expressed US support for the full implementation of the agreement, noting a positive momentum in disarmament plans but also addressing concerns about the presence of Eritrean troops on Ethiopian territory and the urgent need for the return of internally displaced people to their homes.

On Wednesday, Hammer and Ervin Massinga, the US envoy to Ethiopia, met Getachew Reda, the President of the interim administration in Tigray's capital of Mekelle.

According to Tigray Television, the discussion included the return of displaced individuals, the restoration of constitutional norms pre-dating the war, the rehabilitation of ex-combatants, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The American special envoy also announced a $15 million US commitment for the launch of crucial post-conflict disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration programmes.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) issued a 40-page report highlighting ongoing challenges in the Tigray region post the peace agreement signed in November 2022.

The report underscored persistent obstacles in restoring basic services like education and healthcare, as well as the full functionality of the law enforcement sector.

During the briefing, Hammer also addressed security concerns in the Amhara and Oromia regions while Phee expressed US worries about civilian casualties from clashes between security forces and armed groups.

"We've publicly and privately voiced concerns about the conduct of security services in responding to insurgent and criminal attacks. While we understand the complexity of the security situation, more must be done to safeguard civilian rights," she said.

The US officials also indicated readiness to facilitate reconciliation talks if there is genuine political will from all involved parties.

"We acknowledge the Ethiopian government's willingness to engage in dialogue, and we stand ready to assist," Hammer stated. "It's evident that there's no military solution to these conflicts."