Somalia’s Foreign Minister Denies Ethiopia’s Red Sea Access Claims

Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi refutes claims that Ethiopia has been granted access to the Red Sea, stating such assertions are unfounded. This comes after suggestions of an agreement in the Ankara Declaration, aimed at resolving tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. Critics from Eritrea and Egypt express concerns over the potential destabilization of the region resulting from these negotiations.

In response to recent claims, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has firmly denied allegations regarding Somalia’s agreement to provide Ethiopia with access to the Red Sea. He labeled these assertions as unfounded, emphasizing Somalia’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining transparency on national matters. This denial follows a statement suggesting that a prior agreement made during the Ankara Declaration, orchestrated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in December 2024, had granted such access to Ethiopia.

The controversy stems from the Ankara Declaration, which was intended to alleviate tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly after Ethiopia’s January 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. This MoU had allowed Ethiopia the right to access the Red Sea while Somaliland pursued recognition as an independent entity. The agreement includes plans for technical committees to tackle maritime disputes, with a goal for resolution set for mid-2025. However, it has ignited substantial dissent, especially from the Tripartite Alliance of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt, who view Ethiopia’s ambitions as potentially destabilizing for the region.

In summary, the denial by Somalia’s Foreign Minister of granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea reflects the ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa. Despite Ethiopia’s ambitions and the regional agreements brokered, the resistance from Eritrea and Egypt highlights the delicate nature of these diplomatic negotiations. Fiqi’s statements illustrate Somalia’s resolve to protect its national interests in the face of external pressures, underlining the complexities of regional diplomacy.

Original Source: hornobserver.com