Somalia has called on Arab foreign ministers to hold an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Ethiopia with the “Somaliland separatist region.” The ministers agreed to hold the meeting next Wednesday via video conference.
According to news agencies, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League, Hossam Zaki, stated yesterday, Sunday, that an emergency meeting of the Arab League Council at the level of foreign ministers will be held next Wednesday via video conference. The meeting will discuss the repercussions of the illegitimately signed MoU between Ethiopia and the “Somaliland separatist region,” which grants Addis Ababa the privilege to exploit 20 kilometers in the northwest of Somalia in the Red Sea.
Sources added that Ethiopia is seeking to secure a maritime outlet, which it has been deprived of for 30 years since Eritrea’s independence from it in 1993. The MoU, signed on January 1, 2024, between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region, grants Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of its coastline for 50 years through a “lease agreement.” The “Somaliland region,” a former British colony that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community, is involved in this agreement.
Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland is centered around gaining access to the Red Sea. According to the terms of the MoU, Ethiopia will be able to use a section of the Red Sea coast from Somaliland for both military and commercial purposes for a duration of 50 years. This includes leasing a 20-kilometer stretch for an Ethiopian Navy base and as one of its entry ports. The deal also allows Ethiopia to construct infrastructure and a corridor in the area.
In return for this access, Ethiopia will recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state. Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, declared its autonomy in 1991 but has not gained widespread international recognition. This MoU marks a significant move by Ethiopia to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty, a decision that has raised concerns among neighboring countries and within the international community.
However, this agreement has sparked controversy and tensions in the region. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud nullified the agreement, emphasizing Somalia’s commitment to its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Somalia, along with other countries in the region such as Eritrea and Djibouti, have expressed concerns over their sovereignty and territorial integrity being affected by Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. The international community, including the United States and the United Kingdom, has also urged restraint and dialogue to peacefully resolve the issues arising from this agreement.
