DP World the United Arab Emirates company that signed a $1bn deal with Somaliland and Ethiopia has reacted to Somalia’s rejection of the agreement saying Mogadishu had no powers to reverse it.
Sultan  Ahmed Bin Sulayem the Chairman and CEO DP World  said it recognizes Somaliland as an independent republic and not a region in Somalia
“The Federal Government of Somalia has nothing to do with the agreement. Somaliland is an independent country that was peaceful for twenty-eight years and depends on itself†Sulayem said at the signing of the final agreement between Somaliland and the company in Dubai.
“That agreement was passed by the Somaliland parliament. And the Somalia government has no powers to stop it or change it†he added
Somalia Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire rejected the deal that gave Ethiopia 19% ownership of the Port of Berbera saying the deal was illegal as Mogadishu was not consulted
Mr. Sulayem  DP World has the responsibility to protect the contract they signed with Somaliland and Ethiopia.
The relatively stable Somaliland declared its independence in 1991 following the fall of the Siad Barre regime but has remained in a limbo with no recognition from the international community.
