Somalia criticises Ethiopia's press release on alleged annexation

The Permanent Mission of Somalia to the United Nations has strongly criticised a recent press release from the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia, citing concerns about misinformation.

In a press release dated February 21, the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations expressed strong disappointment with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia during the United Nations Security Council meeting held on February 19, 2024.

The Ethiopian Mission highlighted what they perceived as outright false information and unjustifiable accusations by Somalia's officials.

However, Somalia asserts that Ethiopia's claims regarding a supposed "win-win partnership" about Ethiopia's alleged annexation attempt of Somali territory are inaccurate and misleading.

“Upon carefully examining the press release's content, it has become evident that the claims presented lack factual accuracy and are misleading. In particular, the absurd assertion that Ethiopia's illegal annexation attempt of a Somali territory is a "win-win partnership" reinforces Ethiopia's misguided plan to infringe on Somalia's territorial integrity and jeopardize regional and global security,” a press statement by Somalia stated.

Somalia warns that Ethiopia's actions not only violate international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions but also pose a threat to regional and global security, potentially undermining progress made in combating groups like Al-Shabaab.

“Additionally, Ethiopia, as a troop-contributing country in ATMIS, has undoubtedly lost credibility through its declarations to annex part of Somalia. Such actions are contrary to international law, including relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and risk reversing the hard-earned gains in the fight against Al-Shabaab in the last two decades.”

Somalia calls on Ethiopia to abandon its expansionist ambitions and adhere to international law, noting that Ethiopia should strictly conduct itself in a manner consistent with the rules and principles of international law.

“The Federal Government of Somalia affirms its keenness for good neighbourliness and reiterates its commitment to fostering mutual respect and cooperation.” the statement by Somalia is further read.

Despite the disappointment, Ethiopia emphasised its commitment to cooperation, fraternity, and mutual benefit in the region.

Ethiopia defended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a standard practice for securing leased access to the sea, stating it should be viewed as a win-win partnership without the intention to harm any party's interests.

“Out of respect for the ties of fraternity between the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia, the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia will not be dragged down a path pursued by the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The hallmark of Ethiopia's foreign policy is cooperation, fraternity, and mutual benefit in our region and beyond,” said Ethiopia in a February 21 statement.

Ethiopia also underscored its significant sacrifices and contributions to Somalia's peace and security, citing thousands of Ethiopian lives lost in the fight against global terrorist groups in Somalia.

The statement reaffirmed Ethiopia's readiness for dialogue with Somalia on bilateral platforms, emphasizing the enduring neighbourly relationship between the two countries.

“The MOU is neither unprecedented nor contrary to international practices, and it is similar to what other countries have signed to secure leased access to the sea. Therefore, the MoU should be considered a win-win partnership to secure Ethiopia as a sea outlet. Ethiopia has no intention of harming anyone's interest.”

Ethiopia noted that it made enormous sacrifices and contributions to the peace and security of Somalia.

“The progress we now see in Somalia is earned at the cost of thousands of lives Ethiopia lost in the fight against global terrorist groups in Somalia that have continued to be the most potent. Previous drawdowns of ATMIS showed Al-Shabaab was prepared to take over more territory and consolidate its influence in Somalia. Next to Somalia itself, Ethiopia is a primary victim of this gravely concerning development. Ethiopia maintained its forces on the ground to avoid any security vacuum resulting from the previous drawdowns,” she stated.

Apart from its contribution to AMISOM/ATMIS, Ethiopia said it has been following the lead of the Federal Government of Somalia in assisting within the framework of the frontline states.

“Ethiopia and Somalia are eternal neighbours. Ethiopia thus remains ready for dialogue with Somalia on our bilateral platforms.”