Somalia Eid: President Hassan says no backing down in dispute with Ethiopia

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed ongoing tensions with Ethiopia during Eid-ul-Fitr prayers on Wednesday, reiterating his commitment to protecting his country's sovereignty.

The tension concerns Ethiopia and Somaliland's January 1, 2024, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea for commercial and military use, with Somaliland getting recognition as an independent state and a possible stake in the national Ethiopian Airlines.

The deal has strained relations between Hassan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with the former saying he must protect his country's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the latter emphasising the need to cater to the needs of a population in a landlocked country.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Isbahysiga Mosque in Mogadishu on April 10, 2024. (Photo: SONNA)

In his Eid message to the nation, the Somali leader noted once again that he is not seeking conflict with Ethiopia but will not tolerate any violation of sovereignty.

"We will not compromise on the sovereignty of this country. The Somali people will never allow anyone to take an inch of our land. We represent the Somali people, and they have given us the mandate to protect our territory," he declared at the Isbahysiga Mosque in Mogadishu.

"We want to live in peace and good neighbourliness but we will not accept any infringement on our rights. We are not against agreements, talks, or shared interests, but we will not compromise on our territory or sovereignty."

Thus far, the dispute has seen Somalia expel Ethiopian ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware and close Ethiopian consulates in Somaliland and Puntland.

Hasaan further noted, however, that Somalia will not return to its difficult history of conflict with Ethiopia.

"We urge Ethiopia to respect our sovereignty and territorial integrity. If they don't want us, we don't want them. We will not be intimidated or coerced into compromising our rights," he said to applause from the congregation, which praised his commitment to upholding Somalia's sovereignty.

"We will not back down on our principles. Our sovereignty is non-negotiable. We are willing to engage in dialogue and cooperation, but our territory and rights must be respected."

Muslims attend Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Isbahysiga Mosque in Mogadishu on April 10, 2024. (Photo: SONNA)

President Hassan has denounced Ethiopia's memorandum with Somaliland and has signed a law nullifying it. Somalia has also recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations.

Ethiopia, meanwhile, has continued to engage with regional leaders, with Foreign minister Mesganu Arga recently meeting with a Puntland delegation, a move that has sparked further tensions.

Puntland's declaration of independence from Somalia's federal system complicates the situation, with the region's information minister stating that the federal government has "no jurisdiction" to close Ethiopia's consulate in Garowe.

Despite the tensions, both countries have been working together in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terror group, with Ethiopian troops deployed in Somalia as part of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Concerns have arisen about the impact of the diplomatic fallout on regional security and stability as Somalia battles the extremist insurgency. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected in the coming weeks.

President Hassan maintains that Ethiopia must withdraw from any agreements that infringe on Somalia's rights. Ethiopia also said it does not want a war and both Abiy and Hassan have said before that they would like the dispute resolved peacefully.