Somaliland’s new administration has dismissed the recent Türkiye-mediated agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia as irrelevant to their interests, emphasizing their focus on internal affairs. The agreement seeks to enhance diplomatic cooperation while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. Somaliland maintains its pursuit of international recognition amidst concerns over maritime access and territorial integrity.
The newly installed administration of Somaliland has expressed indifference towards the recent agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia reached in Ankara. They assert that their focus remains on issues that directly impact the northern region of Somalia. The cooperation agreement aims to address diplomatic relations following prior tensions stemming from an MoU concerning sea access signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan facilitated the negotiations, resulting in a framework designed to uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity while responding to Ethiopia’s needs.
Mr. Mohamed Farah Abdi, spokesperson for Somaliland’s ruling party, Waddani, emphasized that the Ankara agreement is irrelevant to Somaliland’s interests, stating, “The agreement in Ankara does not concern us. It is between two neighbours and we are Somaliland.” This encapsulates Somaliland’s stance of prioritizing its own sovereignty and concerns over external agreements between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s dealings, brokered by Turkey, include provisions for “reliable, safe, and sustainable access” to the sea while respecting the authority of the Somali Federal Republic. Importantly, while Somaliland strives for international recognition and engagement, Ethiopia’s offer to facilitate this process appears contingent on gaining access to the Red Sea for potential military and commercial developments.
In summary, the ongoing diplomatic maneuvering between Somalia and Ethiopia, propelled by Turkish mediation, does not evoke concern from Somaliland, which continues to assert its autonomy and pursue recognition on the international stage. The leadership’s remarks underscore the distinction Somaliland draws between its position and the agreements made by Somalia and Ethiopia, focusing on self-determination amidst regional agreements.
The political landscape of the Horn of Africa is heavily influenced by historical and ongoing tensions, particularly the relationship between Somaliland, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Somaliland has been operating as a self-declared independent state since 1991, however, it is not recognized internationally. The significance of the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia lies in its implications for maritime access and territorial integrity, particularly following a prior Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning sea access which intensified tensions between the regions. Ethiopia seeks access to the sea through Somalia, while Somaliland looks for recognition and support amidst these negotiations.
In conclusion, Somaliland’s leadership has firmly stated that the recent Somalia-Ethiopia agreement does not concern them and is not likely to impact their pursuit for recognition. The emphasis lies on their internal affairs and sovereignty, amid a backdrop of evolving dynamics between Somalia and Ethiopia facilitated by Turkey. This stance highlights Somaliland’s desire to maintain its autonomy while navigating its complex relationship with neighboring regions and international politics.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
