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Ethiopia-Somaliland deal ignites diplomatic tension with Somalia

By Gelle Dheere | Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Ethiopia had requested sea access and the establishment of a naval base and in return, it would be the first country to recognise Somaliland.

A diplomatic crisis looms between Ethiopia and Somalia as reports suggest Ethiopia is considering recognising the breakaway region of Somaliland in return for access to the sea.

The Ethiopian government on Sunday released a statement announcing a 'historic' Memorandum of Understanding that “will pave the way to realise the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports”.

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The agreement was signed between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa.

Speaking at a press conference, Muse said, “We are pleased to announce, and want to express gratitude to the prime minister, and Ethiopia, according to our agreement written here, that we will give 20km of sea and they will recognise us.”

He said Ethiopia had requested sea access and the establishment of a naval base. In return, Ethiopia would be the first to recognise Somaliland, with access to the port of Berbera.

Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa.

Since Eritrea declared independence in 1991, Ethiopia has become landlocked, relying heavily on Djibouti as its primary port for both imports and exports.

In October 2023, Abiy in a highly controversial speech to parliament expressed Ethiopia's determination to secure a Red Sea port, either through diplomatic means or, if necessary, by force.

This proposition was immediately rejected by Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia.

This development has sparked concern in Somalia, as it views Somaliland as an integral part of its territory.

The only Internationally recognized sovereign Somali Government with powers to contract is the Federal Republic of Somalia with Mogadishu as its seat of Government. PM Abiy representing the Federal Government of Ethiopia cannot sign a deal with a regional state. That is a sure…
— Farah Maalim EGH (@FarahMaalimM) January 1, 2024

Emergency cabinet meeting

The government is convening on Tuesday an emergency Cabinet meeting to review and respond to the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU.

The former Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Khaire, along with numerous MPs and commentators, has condemned it, asserting that it constitutes a breach of Somalia's territorial integrity.

Former Minister and Director of the influential think tank Heritage Institute, Abdirashid Hashi, stated on his X handle “Ethiopia declared war on Somalia by (a) saying it will take Somalia’s territory and Red Sea from the breakaway Somaliland and (b) stating it plans to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, despite knowing it is a region within Somalia.”

Another ex-minister and member of the Heritage Institute, Abdi Aynte, has warned that Ethiopia's move could trigger a political crisis in the Horn of Africa and has called for a proportional and swift response from Somalia.

The Ethiopia -Somaliland MoU comes days after Somalia and Somaliland agreed to resume talks to address their differences.

Hosted by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, the meeting brought together Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi, resulting in the signing of an eight-point memorandum for future discussions.