Somalia Condemns Ethiopia's Controversial Somaliland Deal
In a strong statement at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre condemned Ethiopia's recent agreement with the self-declared republic of Somaliland to lease a coastal strip. This deal, which has not received international recognition, has been denounced by Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty. Prime Minister Barre emphasized that Somali ports have historically been accessible for legitimate Ethiopian commercial activities, showcasing Somalia's commitment to regional trade and cooperation.
Barre further criticized Ethiopia's actions, asserting that they undermine Somali sovereignty and fuel separatist movements within the country. He warned that such maneuvers could destabilize national unity and provide propaganda opportunities for terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab, who may exploit these tensions to recruit vulnerable individuals. Barre's remarks reflect a growing concern within Somalia regarding its sovereignty and the perceived support for Somaliland from Ethiopia.
In a previous interview, political analyst Mohamed Al-Amin Hassan highlighted Somalia's sentiment that Ethiopia's support for Somaliland represents a direct violation of international laws. The Somali government has taken a firm stance, with President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud stating that the only way to resolve the ongoing political crisis with Ethiopia is for it to abandon its memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. Mahmoud reiterated that Somalia is not opposed to Ethiopia accessing a sea outlet through lawful means and adherence to international regulations.
The diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia escalated earlier this year when Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador, marking a significant deterioration in their bilateral relations. As the situation develops, the international community is urged to pay close attention to the implications of these agreements on regional stability and cooperation.
