(04-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — A maritime agreement signed between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland has ignited widespread protests in Mogadishu, heightening tensions in the Horn of Africa. Thousands of Somalis took to the streets of the capital on Wednesday, expressing vehement opposition to what they consider an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty.
The demonstrations, extending into the evening, were marked by chants such as “Death or victory” and “Somalia belongs to Somalis.” The atmosphere intensified as Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal and Reconciliation, addressed the crowd at the city’s stadium, questioning Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s actions, to which the crowd responded with a resounding rejection.
Concurrently, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs escalated the issue to an international platform. A meeting with ambassadors from various countries was convened, where Acting Foreign Minister Ali Balcad communicated Somalia’s position on Ethiopia’s perceived violation of its territorial sovereignty.
At the heart of the dispute is a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Muse Bihi Abdi, leader of Somaliland. This agreement, though not legally binding at present, grants Ethiopia access to over 12 miles of sea for 50 years and includes recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The deal also hints at Somaliland’s potential stake in Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s successful flag carrier.
Somalia’s response to the agreement was swift and assertive. The government declared the agreement null and void in an emergency parliamentary session and called on the African Union and the United Nations Security Council to address the issue.
In Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks broad international recognition, the deal is seen as a significant step towards global legitimacy. However, opinions are divided in its capital, Hargeisa, with some supporting the agreement and others aligning with Mogadishu’s stance. Information Minister Ali Hassan Mohamed of Somaliland stressed their region’s sovereignty over its territory, countering the Somali government’s protest as a violation of past agreements.
The international community, including the United States and the European Union, has reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty within its 1960 borders, adding to the geopolitical complexity. Furthermore, Somalia has urged the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to revise its statement on the diplomatic tension, demanding a more robust condemnation of Ethiopia’s actions.
Halqabsi News
