Somalia demands that Ethiopia revoke its agreement with Somaliland before resuming talks, citing threats to its territorial integrity. Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stated the necessity of annulment for diplomatic relations, emphasizing the contradictory role of Ethiopian forces in Somalia amidst sovereignty concerns.
Somalia has formally demanded that Ethiopia rescind its recent agreement with Somaliland prior to engaging in any substantive discussions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. This assertion was made by Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, who emphasized that the integrity and sovereignty of Somalia have been jeopardized by the agreement, which grants Somaliland access to the Red Sea in exchange for sovereign recognition. Somalia staunchly contends that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory and has expressed that any diplomatic relations with Ethiopia hinge on the annulment of this agreement. Minister Fiqi articulated that there can be no formal discussions with Ethiopia unless this prerequisite is fulfilled, underscoring the potential consequences of what he termed a “reckless move” that undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity. He pointed out the paradoxical nature of Ethiopia’s role in the region, wherein Ethiopian forces are currently stationed in Somalia under the auspices of peacekeeping while simultaneously engaging in actions that allegedly infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty. The international community is evaluating this heated issue following meetings involving the Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister and his counterparts from Somalia and Ethiopia. Somalia’s consistent stance remains that it will not engage with Ethiopia until this agreement is revoked, suggesting that there exists an opportunity for renewed dialogue if Ethiopia acts decisively to restore the status quo before the specified deadline. The political dynamics surrounding Ethiopian peacekeeping forces in Somalia are complicated further by Somalia’s insistence that a newly formed African Union mission should operate under Egyptian leadership.
The demand by Somalia for Ethiopia to cancel the agreement with Somaliland is rooted in allegations of encroachment on its sovereignty. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland allows for a strategic access point to the Red Sea, thereby recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state, which is in direct conflict with Somalia’s claims over the region. This situation has escalated tensions between the two nations and poses challenges for peacekeeping missions in Somalia, particularly as Ethiopia faces calls to re-evaluate its role in the region. The unfolding circumstances are being monitored closely by external parties, including Turkey, which has sought to mediate discussions.
In summary, Somalia has laid down a clear condition for its diplomatic engagement with Ethiopia, insisting on the cancellation of the Somaliland deal as a non-negotiable prerequisite. This demand underscores serious concerns regarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is evident that the geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa are fluid, and Ethiopia’s next moves will be critical in determining the future of its relationship with Somalia, especially in light of international scrutiny and ongoing peacekeeping efforts.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
