Somalia Urges Ethiopia to Nullify Somaliland Agreement as Requirement for Talks

Somalia insists that Ethiopia must cancel its agreement with Somaliland, which grants the latter access to the Red Sea and recognizes it as a sovereign state, before any substantive talks can take place. Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister expressed concerns over territorial integrity, highlighting the paradoxical presence of Ethiopian forces in the country while negotiating backdoor agreements with Somaliland. Somalia is open to discussions if Ethiopia renounces the agreement before January 1st.

Somalia has asserted that Ethiopia must revoke its agreement with Somaliland as a prerequisite for any substantial negotiations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu. This assertion stems from Somalia’s concerns over its territorial integrity and sovereignty, which it considers to be under threat in recent weeks. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, serving as Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, has declared the formal talks with Ethiopia void unless the accord with Somaliland is annulled. The agreement in question is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland, which, in exchange for recognizing Somaliland as an independent state, allocates 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea for Ethiopia. This agreement has faced significant criticism from Somalia, which contends that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory. Minister Fiqi remarked, “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 both Ministers Fiqi of Somalia and Taye Atske of Ethiopia, where they deliberated on the issue of the contentious agreement, which is currently drawing scrutiny from the international community. Somalia’s insistence on the annulment of the agreement has complicated Turkey’s efforts to mediate discussions between the two nations. At the United Nations General Assembly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reiterated the nation’s position regarding its relationship with Ethiopia. Minister Fiqi articulated the paradoxical situation, 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 further noted, “We’re still giving Ethiopia a chance to walk back from this reckless agreement. If they nullify it and restore the status quo before January 1st, there’s room to talk.” Additionally, there are increasing calls for Ethiopia to withdraw its forces from Somalia in light of Mogadishu’s recent establishment of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which will be led by Egypt.

The political landscape in the Horn of Africa, particularly concerning Somalia and its northern region of Somaliland, has been volatile. The longstanding dispute over Somaliland’s self-proclaimed independence has created friction not only within Somalia but also with Ethiopia. The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea and recognition for Somaliland, has intensified this tension. Somalia perceives these developments as threats to its sovereignty and territorial claims, prompting strong diplomatic responses.

In summary, Somalia has firmly positioned itself against the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, demanding its cancellation as a prerequisite for any constructive dialogue. This situation underscores the complexities of regional diplomacy in the Horn of Africa, where historical grievances and claims of sovereignty continue to shape interactions. As both nations navigate this diplomatic impasse, the outcome remains pivotal for their future relations and regional stability.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com