Somalia demands Ethiopia revoke its agreement with Somaliland as a condition for talks, asserting that the deal undermines its sovereignty. Prime Minister Barre and Foreign Affairs Minister Fiqi emphasize the need for Ethiopia to nullify the agreement for the resumption of constructive dialogue, while also discussing the challenges posed by Ethiopian peacekeeping forces in Somalia.
In a recent assertion of its territorial claims, Somalia has demanded that Ethiopia annul its agreement with Somaliland as a prerequisite for any future dialogue between the two nations. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, emphasized that formal communications with Ethiopia cannot proceed unless this deal is revoked, citing a need to preserve Somalia’s sovereignty which has been increasingly challenged in recent times. Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which permits a 20-kilometer corridor to the Red Sea in exchange for Somaliland’s recognition as an independent state, has drawn strong disapproval from Mogadishu. Somalia maintains that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory. “This reckless move undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity, and we see no indication that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is prepared to reverse course and engage in any meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue,” stated Fiqi. During a meeting in New York with Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan, both Somali and Ethiopian representatives discussed the contentious agreement, which has garnered scrutiny from the international community. Despite Turkey’s efforts to mediate discussions, Somalia continues to advocate for the annulment of the agreement as essential to moving forward. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre reiterated this standpoint at the United Nations General Assembly, labeling the situation paradoxical. Fiqi remarked, “On one hand, Ethiopian forces are here under the pretext of peacekeeping, supposedly supporting stability in Somalia. Yet, on the other hand, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government is actively violating our sovereignty through its backdoor agreements with Somaliland.” Somalia remains open to dialogue, contingent upon Ethiopia rescinding its agreement with Somaliland. “If they nullify it and restore the status quo before January 1st, there is room to talk,” he noted. Amidst these tensions, there is growing pressure on Ethiopia to withdraw its peacekeeping forces from Somalia, particularly following the establishment of the new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission (AUSSOM) which, as indicated by Mogadishu, will fall under the auspices of Egypt.
The issue at hand stems from an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a region in northern Somalia seeking independence. This memorandum of understanding allows Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, which has provoked Somalia’s concerns over its territorial integrity. Somaliland’s declaration of sovereignty is contested by Somalia, which views it as part of its national territory. The situation is further complicated by the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia, ostensibly for peacekeeping purposes while engaging in agreements that Somalia considers violations of its sovereignty.
In summary, Somalia’s insistence on the annulment of the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement underscores its commitment to preserving its territorial integrity. The dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia is currently stalled pending this condition, with Somalia seeking to re-establish its sovereignty within the broader context of regional peacekeeping. Unless the current agreement is revoked, any significant dialogue appears unlikely, leaving the future of relations between these nations in a precarious balance.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
