Somalia Insists on Cancellation of Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal to Resume Talks
Somalia has demanded that Ethiopia revoke its agreement with Somaliland prior to engaging in any talks. The deal, which grants Somaliland access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition as a sovereign state, is deemed by Somalia as a violation of its territorial integrity. Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister has indicated that dialogue is contingent upon the annulment of this agreement, amid increasing tensions and international scrutiny regarding Ethiopia’s peacekeeping role in the country.
MOGADISHU, Somalia – The government of Somalia has firmly stated that any productive discussions with Ethiopia hinge upon the annulment of the recent agreement made between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This stance has been communicated by Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who emphasized the necessity of revoking the deal as a prerequisite for future engagements between the two nations. The controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland allows Somaliland access to 20 kilometers of the Red Sea basin in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Somalia, which asserts that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory, has condemned this agreement, declaring that it poses a direct threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Minister Fiqi expressed his dismay, stating, “This reckless move undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity, and we see no indication that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is prepared to reverse course and engage in any meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue.” During a meeting in New York, Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan engaged separately with his counterparts from Somalia and Ethiopia, where the contentious agreement was a focal point of the discussions. However, efforts led by Turkey to convene talks between the two nations have encountered difficulties, with Somalia adamantly insisting on the annulment of the agreement. At the United Nations General Assembly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reiterated the country’s firm position concerning its relationship with Ethiopia. Minister Fiqi elaborated further, stating, “It’s a paradox. On one hand, Ethiopian forces are here under the pretext of peacekeeping, supposedly supporting stability in Somalia. Yet, on the other hand, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government is actively violating our sovereignty through its backdoor agreements with Somaliland.” Fiqi asserted that Somalia remains open for dialogue, contingent upon Ethiopia’s decision to rescind the agreement, adding, “If they nullify it and restore the status quo before January 1st, there is room to talk.” Additionally, Ethiopia faces increasing pressure to withdraw its peacekeeping forces from Somalia, as Mogadishu seeks a transition to the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) under Egyptian leadership.
The backdrop of this diplomatic incident centers around the complex historical and political relationship between Somalia and Somaliland, a northern region that has proclaimed independence from Somalia since the early 1990s. Despite its self-declared sovereignty, Somaliland is not widely recognized as an independent state by the international community, including Somalia. The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has exacerbated tensions, as Somalia perceives it as a direct challenge to its territorial claims. The geopolitical stakes are heightened due to the involvement of regional powers like Turkey and the changing dynamics of peacekeeping operations in Somalia.
In summary, Somalia’s demand for Ethiopia to annul its agreement with Somaliland is a critical step for any potential dialogue between the two nations. The controversy surrounding this accord not only challenges Somalia’s claim over Somaliland but also escalates geopolitical tensions in the region. Somalia remains resolute in defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty and is calling for Ethiopia to reassess its actions to enable constructive discussions moving forward.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
