Somaliland’s new Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, is reassessing an agreement with Ethiopia for maritime access in exchange for recognition. Adan, who has been opposed to the terms, emphasizes the need for any deal to align with Somaliland’s sovereignty and national interests, as the region seeks to ensure that its resources are not compromised. The MOU is yet to be presented for review by Somaliland’s public and legislative bodies.
HARGEISA, Somalia – The Somaliland region, which has declared independence from Somalia, is currently reconsidering its agreement with Ethiopia that allows for maritime access in exchange for recognition. Abdirahman Dahir Adan, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in Somaliland, announced that the new administration under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, has yet to review the terms established by former President Muse Bihi Abdi.
Minister Adan, who has long opposed the agreement, expressed concerns regarding the inconsistencies between what previous leaders articulated about the deal and Ethiopia’s actual commitments. “What Ethiopia was saying and what the president was saying was different,” he indicated during a parliamentary session. He emphasized that Ethiopia’s position suggested recognition would only be achieved following the provision of sea access, without any explicit commitments regarding acknowledgment of Somaliland’s independence.
The minister highlighted that any pursuit of international recognition must reflect Somaliland’s interests and ensure that the region’s sovereignty remains intact. “We will seek recognition through every possible channel, but we will not jeopardize our sovereignty or the future of our people in the process,” Adan stated. He further clarified that Somaliland would not be willing to compromise its economic stability or cede control over its resources to attain recognition.
In light of the aforementioned concerns, Adan reassured that he remains committed to thoroughly reviewing the memorandum of understanding with Ethiopia. He stressed the necessity for any agreements to align with Somaliland’s national interests, stating, “I assure you, if the MOU is in the best interest of our country, ensures recognition, and benefits our people, we will fully embrace it.” He concluded by noting that the MOU has not yet been presented to the Somaliland public or legislative bodies for necessary evaluation.
The Somaliland region unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, yet it remains unrecognized by other countries. The agreement with Ethiopia, signed by former President Muse Bihi Abdi in 2022, intended to secure maritime access for Somaliland in exchange for Ethiopia’s recognition of its independence. However, the changing political landscape and new leadership in Somaliland are prompting a reassessment of this agreement amidst concerns about sovereignty and economic implications.
In summary, Somaliland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, has called for a comprehensive reassessment of the agreement with Ethiopia concerning maritime access and international recognition. The newly appointed administration seeks to ensure that any agreements align with Somaliland’s interests without compromising its sovereignty or economic resources. The outcome of this reassessment may significantly influence Somaliland’s future relations with Ethiopia and its quest for recognition.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
