(07-01-24) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have intensified following Ethiopia’s port and sea access deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Despite Ethiopian attempts to ease the situation, the Somali government in Mogadishu has not responded to Addis Ababa’s outreach.
Sources within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Sunday revealed that Ethiopian officials sought to assuage concerns by contacting Mogadishu, which has so far remained silent. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is said to have tried to reassure Somalia about Ethiopia’s respect for its territorial integrity, though neither government has officially confirmed any steps towards reconciliation.
Reports from Mogadishu say that the Ethiopian Ambassador to Somalia has left the country. Somalia recalled its Ambassador to Ethiopia on 2 January. The diplomatic ties between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa have been deteriorating since 1 January when Ethiopia reached a MoU that grants it access to the sea with Somaliland.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, details of which are still under wraps, is understood to grant Ethiopia access to the sea via Somaliland. In a strong counter-move, Somalia has declared the agreement invalid. It has recalled its envoy from Addis Ababa, stopping short of further retaliatory actions such as expelling the Ethiopian ambassador.
The situation has attracted global attention. Turkey, a major ally of Somalia, has openly criticised the agreement. Turkish Foreign Affairs Spokesman Oncu Keceli accused Ethiopia of bypassing the Somali government and underscored Turkey’s support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.
International bodies like the African Union (AU) and IGAD have called for a de-escalation of tensions and encouraged dialogue. The Arab League has shown solidarity with Somalia, criticising interference in Somali internal matters. The European Union has also dismissed the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal.
AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat appealed for calm and respect between the nations. IGAD’s Executive Secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu urged both countries to seek a peaceful and cooperative resolution.
Regional responses include Kenya supporting the AU’s stance on respecting territorial integrity and Sudan, a traditional ally of Somalia, condemning the MoU as violating Somali sovereignty.
Halqabsi News
