Somaliland Unconcerned by Somalia-Ethiopia Ankara Agreement
The Somaliland administration declares it is not affected by the recent Somalia-Ethiopia agreement reached in Ankara, emphasizing its focus on local affairs. The agreement, mediated by Turkey, seeks to resolve tensions regarding Ethiopia’s sea access while affirming Somalia’s sovereignty. Waddani party spokesman Mohamed Farah Abdi stated that the agreement is irrelevant to Somaliland’s interests, affirming its unique identity amid ongoing regional negotiations.
The administration of Somaliland has stated that it is unconcerned with the recent agreement reached between Somalia and Ethiopia in Ankara. Somaliland’s ruling party, Waddani, emphasized that its focus lies on local issues that affect its internal governance rather than external agreements. The deal, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, involves a diplomatic effort to reassess relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, mainly addressing previous tensions over sea access agreements involving Somaliland.
A spokesman for the Waddani party, Mr. Mohamed Farah Abdi, articulated that the Ankara agreement holds no significance for Somaliland, maintaining that it pertains exclusively to Somalia and Ethiopia. He remarked, “The agreement in Ankara does not concern us. It is between two neighbours and we are Somaliland.” He further noted the normalcy in neighboring nations engaging in discussions without direct implications for Somaliland’s status.
The Ankara agreement emerged as a resolution to nearly a year of strained relations, with the focus on Ethiopia’s need for consistent maritime access under Somalian sovereignty. The previous administration had expressed intentions to reassess agreements with Ethiopia post-elections, reflecting ongoing tensions related to territorial integrity and regional aspirations.
Despite seeking international recognition, Somaliland continues to assert its autonomous identity as negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia proceed, renewing dialogues over issues that impact the region.
In conclusion, the Somaliland administration has clearly established its detachment from the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, reinforcing its priority on local governance. The remarks from the Waddani party highlight a broader stance of sovereignty and self-identification in the context of ongoing regional dynamics and negotiations.
The agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia has arisen in the context of a complex political landscape. Historically, Somaliland has declared itself independent from Somalia, yet it is not internationally recognized as a sovereign state. The agreement aims to address previous tensions marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning maritime access, which involved Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access through Somaliland’s territory. Following mediation by Turkey, the agreement seeks to stabilize diplomatic relations and ensure the interests of both nations are maintained without compromising Somalia’s territorial integrity. This backdrop is essential for understanding Somaliland’s position on the agreement.
This situation illustrates Somaliland’s commitment to its autonomy and regional identity while acknowledging the diplomatic efforts between Somalia and Ethiopia. The remarks made by the Waddani party emphasize that while international negotiations are underway, Somaliland prioritizes its internal governance and concerns over external agreements, framing its position as independent and self-determined in the face of regional diplomatic developments.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
