The cabinet of Somalia announced on Tuesday that the recent pact between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, granting access to the Red Sea port of Berbera, is deemed null and void.
The Somali government further expressed its concerns that the agreement poses a threat to the stability of the region. As a result, Somalia has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for urgent consultations regarding the port agreement.
Ethiopia, a landlocked nation heavily dependent on maritime trade, relies primarily on Djibouti for its shipping needs. However, the recently signed agreement in Addis Ababa between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi opens the door for Ethiopia to establish commercial marine operations by gaining access to a leased military base on the Red Sea, as revealed by Abiy’s National Security adviser, Redwan Hussien.
Notably, the agreement also includes the provision of eventual recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation. However, this move has been met with opposition from the Somali cabinet, which maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia’s territory. Despite declaring autonomy from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has not achieved widespread international recognition.
The Somali cabinet convened an emergency meeting following the announcement of the agreement, expressing grave concern over Ethiopia’s actions.
In a statement released after the meeting, the cabinet stated, “Ethiopia’s step… endangers the stability and peace of the region.” The Somali government’s strong reaction underscores its determination to safeguard its territorial integrity and maintain regional stability.
Last week, there were encouraging signs of progress as Somalia and Somaliland had agreed to resume talks aimed at resolving their longstanding disputes.
These talks were facilitated by mediation efforts led by Djibouti, a country with a vested interest in regional stability.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Somalia, Ethiopia, and Somaliland will navigate this contentious issue.