In a striking political maneuver, 105 members of the Somali Parliament who represent Somaliland region within the federal government of Somalia have issued a statement firmly opposing the recent agreement between the President of Somaliland and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. In a letter released to the public, these representatives declared the agreement invalid, stating, “No party has the authority to give away a part of Somali land or sea.” This assertion underscores a deep-seated commitment to national sovereignty. The group, which includes high-ranking officials such as the Deputy Prime Minister and Ministers of Finance, Labor and Social Affairs, and Public Works, has called for the preservation of Somali unity against foreign encroachments. The
It’s crucial to note that Somaliland operates as an autonomous region within the Federal Republic of Somalia, although it is not internationally recognized as an independent state. The agreement in question, therefore, touches on sensitive issues regarding Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and the legalities of international dealings with its federal entities. The MPs have labeled the accord as an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty, with a strong reminder that no part of Somali territory can be ceded without proper authority. This challenge reflects a broader tension within the region’s geopolitical dynamics and could set a significant precedent for how federal states within East African countries engage with foreign nations.
