Ethiopia-Somaliland maritime deal sparks diplomatic standoff
Somalia declared on Thursday that any possibility of mediation with Ethiopia hinges on the cancellation of a controversial maritime agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Tensions have surged in the Horn of Africa following a memorandum of understanding reached between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1, granting Ethiopia coveted access to the sea.
Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, asserts that Ethiopia will formally recognize its sovereignty in exchange, a claim yet to be confirmed by Addis Ababa.
The Somali foreign ministry firmly stated, “There is no space for mediation unless Ethiopia retracts its illegal MoU and reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.”
Historically strained relations between the two nations, marked by territorial disputes and two wars in the late 20th century, have further complicated the current situation.
The African Union’s Peace and Reconciliation Council has urged restraint and meaningful dialogue to peacefully resolve the matter.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is holding an extraordinary summit in Uganda to address the conflict, with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and regional leaders in attendance. Notably, Ethiopia has opted not to participate, citing a short notice invitation.
Describing the pact as an “act of aggression,” Mogadishu opposes the agreement under which Somaliland leases 20 kilometers of its coast to Ethiopia for 50 years, enabling Ethiopia to establish a naval base and commercial port.
Despite international calls for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, including from the United States, European Union, China, Arab League, AU, and IGAD, Ethiopia insists it has not violated any laws.
Arab League Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned the memorandum, calling it a “blatant attack against Arab, African, and international principles” and a violation of international law. In response, Ethiopia labeled the statement “unacceptable.”
Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, lost access to the coast in 1993 after Eritrea’s secession. Since a war in 1998-2000, Ethiopia has relied on Djibouti for most of its trade.
The disagreement unfolds against the backdrop of Somalia’s internal challenges, with Somaliland maintaining relative stability while the rest of the country has endured decades of civil war and an Islamist insurgency led by Al-Shabaab.
President Mohamud warns that the maritime deal could potentially fuel a resurgence of Al-Shabaab, which has been a target of a major military offensive since August 2022.
The diplomatic standoff continues to capture international attention, raising concerns about the broader regional implications.
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