(07-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Borame, the capital city of the Awdal region in northern Somalia, became the epicentre of a large-scale protest on Sunday. Residents took to the streets in force, voicing their vehement opposition to a recent agreement signed in Addis Ababa by Muse Bihi, President of Somaliland, which controversially grants Ethiopia a 20 km stretch of Somalia’s maritime territory.
Chants of “Our sea is not for sale” resonated through the streets of Borama, as demonstrators expressed their staunch rejection of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Ethiopia last Monday. The protest, marked by its peaceful nature, saw a massive turnout that overwhelmed police efforts to disperse the crowd, underlining the depth of public discontent.
The timing of the protest was particularly significant, coinciding with President Bihi’s failed attempt to organize a pro-agreement rally in Borama. This turn of events further highlighted the widespread disapproval among the citizens.
During his recent visit to the Ethiopian capital, President Bihi signed the MoU with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The agreement, allowing Ethiopia to establish a naval base in the allocated sea area, has faced severe backlash. Critics argue that it not only undermines Somali nationalism and independence but also fulfils a long-standing ambition of Ethiopia for maritime access.
This backlash is not confined to Borama. Across Somalia, from political leaders to the wider residents, there is a resounding stance against the maritime territory concession to Ethiopia. In a decisive move, the Federal Government of Somalia has officially rejected the Addis Ababa agreement. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has ratified a resolution from the Federal Parliament of Somalia, effectively nullifying the deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Halqabsi News
