Brotherhood Amidst the Land Dispute:
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed rising tensions with Somalia in parliament, emphasizing the historical ties that bind the two nations and dismissing intentions to harm Somalia, aiming to ease concerns amid accusations of a territorial dispute. This comes in response to Somalia’s accusation that Ethiopia sought to acquire part of its territory through an agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia considered part of its sovereign land.
Coastal Agreement Sparks Controversy:
One month ago, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a controversial agreement, allowing Ethiopia access to the coastline. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud labeled it an invasion, urging young people to defend the nation. Massive protests erupted in Mogadishu against the deal, demanding its cancellation and asserting Somalia’s sovereignty.
Keep Reading
Historical Brotherhood vs. Territorial Tensions:
Despite a bitter conflict in the 1970s, Abiy portrayed a deep brotherhood, highlighting Ethiopian military support in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by Ethiopians for peace in Somalia. Abiy sought to dispel fears of hostility, attributing tensions to external forces aiming to provoke conflict.
Existential Sea Access for Ethiopia:
Abiy reiterated the importance of sea access, terming it an “existential issue” for Ethiopia. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, signed on January 1, outlined potential sea access for commercial traffic and leasing a portion of the coast to the Ethiopian navy. However, Abiy did not confirm Somaliland’s claim that Ethiopia would recognize its independence.
Balancing Regional Interests:
Abiy positioned sea access as beneficial for the entire region, indicating an inclination toward cooperation. He dismissed allegations of harmful intentions toward Somalia, framing the agreement with Somaliland as a potential regional asset. The emphasis on brotherhood and shared history aims to navigate the delicate balance between territorial disputes and regional collaboration.
