Somaliland Reaffirms Sovereignty, defends of MoU with Ethiopia

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Toronto – In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Somaliland reiterated the status of Somaliland as a sovereign state and defended the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. 

It stated, “Since restoring its independence and separation from the tumultuous Somali Republic in 1991, Somaliland has charted its own course towards stability, democracy, and self-rule. As a sovereign and independent state, Somaliland remains committed to fostering strong bilateral relations with its neighbors including the strategic ally of Ethiopia based on mutual respect and cooperation.” 

The statement went on to state that Mogadishu is engaging in destabilizing Somaliland by arming militia groups and the firearms are getting into the hands of Al Shabab fighters. 

“It is regrettable that the Mogadishu Administration, under the leadership of Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud, which is not in full control of its own capital, persists in attempts to destabilize Somaliland through support for local militia groups. Meanwhile, reports indicate their weaponry and arms are falling into the hands of Alshabaab and clan militias, exacerbating regional instability,” it said. 

Last week, two trucks of firearms (including heavy weaponry) that are believed to have originated from Ethiopia were seized by militia groups in Galmudug State as Somali Federal government intelligence forces were transporting it to the capital.

Somalia has been accusing Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty after the latter signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland on January 1, 2024 – an agreement that gives, if finalized, Ethiopia access to 20-kilometer stretches of coastal land for military and commercial purposes on a 50 years lease term. 

Somaliland continues to reject Somalia’s claim that the former is a sovereign territory of the latter.  In its latest statement, it stated, “Somaliland asserts its sovereign right to engage in relations and agreements with other nations. Situated at a strategic location, Somaliland is a key stakeholder in the geopolitics of the Red Sea region and beyond. The Mogadishu failed regime, lacking control and credibility, is not and will never be part of this strategic equation. It is incumbent upon them to stabilize their own affairs before interfering in Somaliland’s internal matters.” 

Abiy Ahmed’s government has been avoiding remarking on the MoU and there is no sign that the agreement is finalized. During the signing of the MoU, there was an agreement to finalize it within a month. 

Since the signing of the MoU, the government of Somalia has been mobilizing diplomatic and other support in the region and beyond. In the Horn of Africa, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government forged close ties with Eritrea. He visited the country about three times since the signing of the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland. 

Turkey has initiated a talk between Ethiopia and Somalia  and the second round of it is expected to take place in Ankara. 

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