Somaliland is reconsidering its sea access agreement with Ethiopia, which was intended to exchange access for recognition. New Foreign Affairs Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan has raised concerns about its feasibility and alignment with local interests, advocating for a careful examination to ensure recognition does not compromise Somaliland’s sovereignty or resources.
The Somaliland region, which declared independence from Somalia, is reassessing its agreement with Ethiopia that grants sea access in exchange for international recognition. The newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, indicated that the current administration has not yet reviewed the details of the previous agreement established by former President Muse Bihi Abdi. Minister Adan, who has always been critical of this deal, emphasized that the ongoing diplomatic landscape necessitates a thorough evaluation of Somaliland’s interests in order to navigate its quest for recognition effectively.
Adan expressed concerns over discrepancies between Somaliland’s expectations and Ethiopia’s commitments regarding recognition. He noted that while the former president suggested a reciprocal trade of sea access for recognition, Ethiopia’s stance implied that recognition would only be granted after sea access was established, leaving Somaliland’s situation ambiguous. Therefore, Adan reiterated the importance of approaching recognition cautiously while ensuring that it aligns with Somaliland’s best interests.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs also articulated the notion that Somaliland should not compromise its sovereignty or its economic viability in pursuit of recognition. He declared that mutual interests must drive any agreements made with external parties to safeguard Somaliland’s resources and people. He stated, “If we were to relinquish our country… that would be nonsensical. True recognition, after all, comes from God.” Adan affirmed his intention to carefully review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ethiopia, advocating for an empowering agreement that serves the region’s best interests.
The Somaliland region, which has operated independently since declaring secession from Somalia in 1991, seeks international recognition that has eluded it for decades. An agreement signed last year with Ethiopia aimed to facilitate this recognition in exchange for access to maritime resources. However, the new Somaliland government led by Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has raised questions about the validity and implications of this agreement amid shifting political dynamics in the Horn of Africa. With the new leadership’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the people and sovereignty of Somaliland, a reassessment of such foundational agreements is critical for future diplomatic engagements.
In conclusion, Somaliland’s current administration, led by Foreign Affairs Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan, is critically reevaluating the agreement with Ethiopia concerning sea access and international recognition. Emphasizing the need for alignment with the region’s best interests, Adan has been vocal about safeguarding Somaliland’s sovereignty and resources against potential compromises. The assessment of the existing MOU with Ethiopia underscores the administration’s commitment to ensure that any future agreements genuinely benefit the Somaliland people and economy.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
