In a swift and urgent session of the Somali parliament in Mogadishu, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud vehemently denounced a maritime agreement forged between Ethiopia and the autonomously declared region of Somaliland. President Mohamud declared the pact void, arguing it breaches international statutes and endangers the stability of the surrounding areas.
The president highlighted the contravention of international norms by the agreement, inked in Addis Ababa on January 1st. He contended that Ethiopia’s move flouts the established global customary laws and proclaimed such actions unenforceable. He stressed that the arrangement undermines the amicable relations and peace in the vicinity.
In a direct message to the administration of Somaliland, President Mohamud articulated that the Ethiopian authorities lack the jurisdiction to confer international acknowledgment upon them. He reiterated Somalia’s unwavering commitment to its territorial sovereignty and vowed to safeguard every part of its hallowed land from being compromised.
Following the contentious agreement, the Somali government summoned its ambassador to Ethiopia back for consultations. President Mohamud appealed to the Ethiopian leadership to refrain from meddling in Somalia’s internal matters.
The contentious agreement, sealed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi Abdi, paves the way for Ethiopia to initiate commercial naval activities and secure a leased military base on the Red Sea coast. The pact also encompasses potential recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state and an equity stake in Ethiopian Airlines for the region.
Despite declaring its autonomy from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland’s pursuit of global recognition has been unyielding, a stance Somalia vehemently opposes, insisting Somaliland remains within its jurisdiction. In efforts to mitigate the ongoing discord, both Somalia and Somaliland have recently concurred to recommence negotiations, spurred by mediation from Djibouti.
President Mohamud’s stern response accentuates the critical need for adherence to international laws and the preservation of regional harmony. The future course of this complex issue and the potential for a harmonious resolution to satisfy all concerned entities remains to be seen.
