Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi refuted claims of granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, calling them baseless. This follows earlier reports linked to the Ankara Declaration aimed at resolving regional tensions. Controversy persists, particularly from Eritrea and Egypt, regarding Ethiopia’s ambitions and their implications for regional stability.
In a recent statement from Mogadishu, Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has firmly rejected assertions that Somalia has authorized Ethiopia to access the Red Sea. He labeled these claims as unfounded and asserted Somalia’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and upholding transparency regarding national issues. Fiqi’s denial follows earlier reports indicating that a deal was reached under the Ankara Declaration, brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in December 2024.
The Ankara Declaration aims to alleviate tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly in light of Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which was signed on January 1, 2024. This agreement purportedly granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, while Somaliland sought international recognition as an independent entity. To further address maritime disputes, technical committees are to be formed, with a resolution target set for mid-2025.
However, the proposed deal has incited considerable controversy, especially within the Tripartite Alliance consisting of Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt, who view Ethiopia’s ambitions as a potential threat to regional stability. Eritrea’s Foreign Ministry advisor, Abdulkadir Idris, criticized this agreement, suggesting it undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and may destabilize the region. He described the agreement as “hasty and poorly conceived,” expressing concern that Somalia’s expedited acceptance of this deal could lead to diplomatic ramifications and strain existing alliances.
This situation emerges from ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, particularly involving Somalia, Ethiopia, and Somaliland. Ethiopia has pursued Red Sea access as part of its broader regional strategy, which has generated significant concern from neighboring countries such as Eritrea and Egypt. The Ankara Declaration was seen as a potential resolution to these tensions, but it raised alarms regarding Somalia’s sovereignty and the implications of granting access to Ethiopia in a volatile regional context.
In conclusion, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has categorically denied any agreement allowing Ethiopian access to the Red Sea, emphasizing the country’s commitment to its sovereignty. This denial comes amidst the backdrop of the Ankara Declaration and the contested MoU with Somaliland. The situation continues to provoke strong reactions from other regional actors, highlighting the complexities of inter-state relations in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
