Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi rejected claims that Somalia has allowed Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, affirming the nation’s commitment to sovereignty. This statement follows the controversial Ankara Declaration, meant to ease tensions after Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland, which sparked regional concerns about stability and sovereignty. Criticism has emerged from Eritrea and Egypt against this agreement, which they perceive as a potential threat to their interests.
In a firm dismissal of recent claims, Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has stated that Somalia has not agreed to grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. He labeled the assertions as unfounded and reiterated Somalia’s dedication to safeguarding its sovereignty. This clarification emerged following misinterpretations of prior statements that linked Somalia’s potential agreement with the Ankara Declaration, a diplomatic initiative brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aimed at easing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The Ankara Declaration was intended to address newly ignited tensions after Ethiopia signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland in January 2024, which granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for Somaliland’s push for international recognition. While technical committees are to be formed to resolve maritime disputes by mid-2025, the agreement intensified rifts, particularly among Somalia, Eritrea, and Egypt—the Tripartite Alliance—who view Ethiopia’s aspirations as destabilizing the region.
Criticism has also surfaced regarding the leadership decisions surrounding the agreement, particularly from Eritrean officials. Abdulkadir Idris, an advisor at Eritrea’s Foreign Ministry, contended in a BBC Somali segment that the agreement could harm Somalia’s sovereignty and ignite further conflict in the region. He warned, “The agreement is hasty and poorly conceived,” and expressed concerns that such an approach could jeopardize established alliances and result in broader diplomatic consequences.
The tension between Somalia and Ethiopia has historical roots, with issues primarily arising from territorial disputes and geopolitical ambitions in the Horn of Africa. The Ankara Declaration is a recent diplomatic endeavor aimed at fostering peace and cooperation between the two nations. However, the declaration was exacerbated by Ethiopia’s signing of an MoU with Somaliland, a region seeking recognition as an independent state. This development has raised alarms among neighboring countries like Eritrea and Egypt, who perceive Ethiopia’s maneuvers as threatening to regional stability. The dynamics surrounding these agreements continue to shape the politics of the region, highlighting the delicate balance of power in East Africa.
In summary, Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, unequivocally denied reports of an agreement granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, which he characterized as baseless. This assertion comes in the context of wider regional tensions exacerbated by the Ankara Declaration and Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland, drawing criticism from neighboring countries concerned about the implications for sovereignty and stability in the Horn of Africa. As these diplomatic discussions unfold, the potential for conflict remains a critical issue in East African relations.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
