Somalia condemns Ethiopia-Somaliland deal as "aggression," vows to defend sovereignty

Somalia issued a strong condemnation on Tuesday against a controversial deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway state of Somaliland, labeling it an “aggression” that poses a threat to its sovereignty.

The government in Mogadishu not only declared its intent to defend its territory but also recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia.

The deal, announced in Addis Ababa on Monday, comes only days after Mogadishu agreed to resume dialogue with the separatist northern region, which has been seeking full statehood since claiming independence from Somalia in 1991.

Despite lacking international recognition, Somaliland has asserted its independence, with the central government in Mogadishu having limited authority over the region.

The “historic” memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi grants Ethiopia access to the strategically important Red Sea port of Berbera and a leased military base. In return, Somaliland expects formal recognition from Ethiopia, although Addis Ababa has not confirmed this.

Somalia’s cabinet denounced the MOU as a “blatant assault” on its independence and unity, prompting the recall of its ambassador to Ethiopia.

Seeking international support, Somalia called for urgent meetings of the UN Security Council and the African Union to address what it perceives as “Ethiopia’s aggression and interference against the sovereignty” of the country.

Prime Minister Hamza Barre, in an address to the nation, urged calm but asserted, “We will not allow an inch of land, sea, and skies to be violated,” emphasizing a commitment to defend Somalia through legal means.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, while rejecting the deal as a violation of international laws, warned of potential consequences, including a revival of the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab, currently under a major military offensive since late 2022, condemned Abiy’s “expansionist agenda,” echoing concerns about the potential destabilization in the region.

The deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland is particularly significant as it follows Ethiopia’s assertion of its right to access the Red Sea months ago.

The landlocked country lost its coastal access when Eritrea seceded in 1993. The Berbera port, managed by Dubai-based DP World, offers Ethiopia a gateway to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, potentially boosting its constrained economy.

The agreement involves the establishment of an Ethiopian military base on the Red Sea, with Somaliland leasing 20 kilometers of sea access for 50 years. Additionally, Somaliland is expected to take stakes in Ethiopian telecoms and airline companies.

While the timeline for the pact to take effect remains unclear, this development marks a crucial geopolitical shift in the Horn of Africa. The region, already grappling with historical tensions and territorial disputes, now faces heightened uncertainties, raising concerns about potential conflicts and the resurgence of Al-Shabaab.

In the midst of this geopolitical turmoil, Somalia and Somaliland had recently agreed to resume dialogue, facilitated by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh. However, political tensions in Somaliland, highlighted by deadly violence last year, underscore the challenges of achieving stability in this complex region.