Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard
Published on 2024-02-21 08:38:47
The Somaliland Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has indicated that the government is moving ahead with the implementation of the MoU signed with Ethiopia. The ministry assured that there is a technical team, a team of international legal experts, and a high-level advisory group in place to oversee and advise on the process.
During various engagements in Addis Ababa aligned with the 37th African Union summit, a delegation led by the Somaliland Foreign and International Cooperation minister Essa Kayd Mohamud (PhD) reiterated that the MoU signed with Ethiopia is lawful, legal, and legitimate under international law and statutes. The ministry also emphasized the transformative impact of the MoU on Somaliland, Ethiopia, and the region in terms of the economy, trade, and security.
The signing of the MoU granting Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for international recognition for Somaliland has led to heightened tensions in neighboring Somalia, which argues that the MoU violates its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This has prompted several diplomatic statements from various countries in support of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Somaliland Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation likened the MoU with Ethiopia to the multi-million dollar investment project reached with the UAE’s Dubai Ports World (DP-World) for the expansion and modernization of the Berbera Port, emphasizing Somaliland’s capacity to enter into bilateral cooperation agreements.
The ministry also noted that its delegation received positive and encouraging feedback on the issue of the recognition of Somaliland, highlighting the support for their cause from many delegations at various levels.
In response to what it described as “unpalatable, rogue, and savage behavior” by the president of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud during the AU summit, the ministry condemned such actions. The Ethiopian government has dismissed accusations made by Somalia regarding the purported obstruction of its president during the AU Summit, deeming them an attempt to garner attention from specific media platforms.
Somaliland issued a statement denouncing the “cruel killing” of Abdinassir Muse Dahable, a young Somalilander and aviation expert working in Mogadishu, cautioning against “irresponsible hate narrative against Ethiopia and Somaliland” by leaders of Somalia. In the wake of the incident, Somaliland also sent out an emergency alert and called on its citizens to evacuate Somalia.
The death of Abdinassir Muse Dahable has been attributed to the ongoing airspace dispute that has resulted in the weaponization of Somaliland airspace by neighboring Somalia.
Amid these developments, the focus remains on the implementation of the MoU with Ethiopia and efforts to secure international recognition for Somaliland. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation continues to work towards advancing Somaliland’s interests while navigating the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
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