Somaliland maintains that its MoU with Ethiopia is intact despite new agreements between Somalia and Ethiopia. Abdulahi Mohammud emphasized that Somaliland’s affairs are separate from the Somalia-Ethiopia relationship. Tensions have risen between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, reflecting ongoing complexities in territorial and economic negotiations in the Horn of Africa. President Irro has pledged to uphold the MoU and seeks international recognition for Somaliland.
The breakaway region of Somaliland has asserted that its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia remains valid, despite the recent Erdogan-mediated agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia. Somaliland official, Abdulahi Mohammud, clarified that they are focused on their own interests and that any issues between Somalia and Ethiopia do not concern them. Tensions have escalated in the region as Somalia attempted to block Ethiopian participation in the African Union Transition Mission, following Ethiopia’s attempts to negotiate access to the Red Sea. The Ankara Declaration entails bilateral agreements aimed at ensuring Ethiopian access to the sea, while placing emphasis on Somalia’s sovereignty. Political analyst Abdurahman Seid suggested that the new Ethiopian-Somalia agreement undermines previous ties with Somaliland. President Irro of Somaliland has expressed intentions to uphold the existing MoU with Ethiopia as part of his administration’s goals for international recognition.
The context of this situation stems from a complex history between Somaliland, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it is not recognized as a sovereign state internationally. The recent Ankara Declaration reflects Ethiopia’s efforts to gain access to the sea through negotiations with Somalia, complicating Somaliland’s aspirations and its MoU with Ethiopia. These developments have raised tensions in the Horn of Africa, leading to diplomatic rifts and the expulsion of Ethiopian diplomats from Mogadishu. The ongoing geopolitical dynamics are further complicated by Somaliland’s quest for recognition and its bilateral agreements with Ethiopia for economic cooperation.
In conclusion, Somaliland’s officials remain firm in their belief that their MoU with Ethiopia is still in effect despite the evolving geopolitical landscape influenced by the new Somalia-Ethiopia agreement. The situation illustrates the complexities involved as regional powers negotiate access and sovereignty issues while Somaliland continues to seek international recognition. The upcoming technical talks and their outcomes will be critical in determining the future of Somaliland’s relationship with Ethiopia and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
