Somalia has stated that Ethiopia must first cancel its agreement with Somaliland, which grants the latter access to the Red Sea, as a prerequisite for any productive talks. Somali Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has highlighted concerns over national sovereignty and emphasized that dialogue can only resume if the agreement is nullified.
In a significant diplomatic development, Somalia has demanded that Ethiopia rescind its recent agreement with Somaliland prior to engaging in any constructive discussions regarding bilateral relations. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, the Foreign Affairs Minister of Somalia, has emphasized that the abrogation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which grants Somaliland a 20-kilometer corridor to the Red Sea is a prerequisite for any formal negotiations between the two nations. The contentious MoU, perceived by Somalia as an infringement on its sovereignty, has led to heightened tensions following a series of contentious statements from Somali officials. Minister Fiqi declared any engagement with Ethiopia as contingent upon the cancellation of this agreement, asserting that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia’s jurisdiction. “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,” stated Fiqi. Meanwhile, talks facilitated by Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan, who met with his Somali and Ethiopian counterparts separately in New York, have been hindered by Somalia’s insistence on the annulment of the Ethiopia-Somaliland pact. During recent deliberations at the United Nations General Assembly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reaffirmed his nation’s stance, reinforcing that Ethiopia’s peacekeeping presence in Somalia is paradoxical given its actions regarding Somaliland. Minister Fiqi elucidated the impasse by stating, “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.” He also highlighted that should Ethiopia rescind its agreement and restore the situation to what it was prior to January 1st, there would still be an opportunity for dialogue to ensue. In light of these developments, Ethiopia has faced increasing calls to withdraw its peacekeeping troops from Somalia, particularly in light of the establishment of a new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which is expected to be aligned with Egyptian leadership.
The ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia can be traced back to complex historical and territorial disputes, particularly regarding Somaliland, a self-declared republic that seeks international recognition but is not recognized by the Somali federal government. Recent developments, notably Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, have aggravated the already strained relations, prompting fears in Mogadishu about territorial integrity and sovereignty. The involvement of regional players like Turkey in mediating discussions showcases the international concern surrounding these two Horn of Africa nations.
In conclusion, Somalia’s firm stance against Ethiopia’s partnership with Somaliland demonstrates the complexity inherent in international relations within the Horn of Africa. The demand for the annulment of the controversial agreement serves as both a defense of national sovereignty and a potential barrier to diplomatic engagement between the two countries. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the outcome of this standoff will significantly impact relations within the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
