Ethiopia Responds to Somalia’s Accusations: Emphasizes Cooperation and Partnership

Unjustified Accusations: Ethiopia’s Disappointment

Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission to the UN expressed profound disappointment with what it termed “unjustified accusations” made by Somalia during a recent Security Council briefing on February 19, 2024. While choosing diplomatic restraint, Ethiopia contested the allegations without directly refuting them.

Challenging Allegations with Diplomacy

Ethiopia strongly objected to what it deemed “outright false information” presented by Somalia’s UN envoy. Despite choosing not to directly refute the accusations, Ethiopia defended its recent deal with Somaliland regarding port access, labeling it as “neither unprecedented nor contrary to international practices.” The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland was framed as a “win-win partnership” aimed at securing Ethiopia a crucial sea outlet without harming the interests of other nations.

Highlighting Contributions to Somalia’s Peace and Security

The statement underscored Ethiopia’s significant sacrifices and contributions to the peace and security of Somalia. It pointed to the loss of hundreds of lives in the struggle against Al-Shabaab, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to regional stability.

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Call for Diplomacy and Future Partnerships

While expressing readiness for talks with Somalia, Ethiopia stressed the need to preserve cooperative relationships essential for regional security. Describing both nations as “eternal neighbors,” the statement urged a shift from focusing on contentious charges to concentrating on fostering future partnerships.

UN’s Expression of Disappointment

On the same day, Catriona Laing, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, voiced disappointment to the Security Council over the lack of “significant progress” in easing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia following the AU summit. The situation underscores the complexities of diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa.

As Ethiopia and Somalia grapple with historical ties and contemporary geopolitical intricacies, the diplomatic turbulence poses challenges to maintaining cooperative relationships. The Horn of Africa remains a focal point for global attention as these nations navigate through delicate negotiations and seek pathways to future partnerships.

As tensions persist, the diplomatic dance between Ethiopia and Somalia continues, with both nations grappling not only with historical ties but also the intricacies of contemporary geopolitics in the region.