Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-02-12 13:36:41
Somaliland Rejects Somalia’s Disapproval of MoU with Ethiopia
Somaliland has vehemently rejected a recent statement made by Somalia concerning the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The statement emphasizes that the MoU represents a sovereign decision made by two independent nations and is not contingent upon the approval of a third party.
In a press release issued on February 11, 2024, Somaliland stated that the agreement with Ethiopia is based on principles of mutual respect and aspirations for greater regional stability. It highlighted the significance of the agreement as a reflection of the determination of both nations to collaborate in pursuit of common goals.
On the same day, the government of Somalia urged the African Union (AU) and the United Nations to denounce the MoU signed between Ethiopia and “the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland,” characterizing it as illegal and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Somalia contends that no regional administration, including Somaliland, has the authority to engage in agreements with foreign nations without federal consent. Somalia has formally invalidated the MoU and pledged to undertake necessary measures to prevent its execution.
Moreover, Somalia has expressed concerns that the MoU undermines recent advancements achieved by the federal government, such as debt relief, the lifting of the UN arms embargo, and accession to the East African Community trade bloc. It also warned that the non-binding agreement could potentially provide the terrorist group Al-Shabaab with an opportunity to exploit divisions and reverse progress made in counterterrorism efforts.
Somaliland has responded to Somalia’s assertions by accusing Somalia of blatantly disregarding international law and the inherent right to self-determination of Somalilanders. It emphasized that the MoU respects the territorial integrity of all involved parties and fosters peaceful relations and cooperation.
In return, Somaliland has urged Somalia to relinquish outdated assertions concerning its status and to honor the collective will of Somaliland’s populace. It reiterated its position as an independent nation, governed by its own constitution and democratic principles, which empowers it to engage in agreements with consenting partners subject to legislative approval.
The government of Somalia claims that the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland poses an existential threat to the African Union’s foundational principles of upholding member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. It has called on the AU and UN to condemn what it perceives as Ethiopia’s unwarranted aggression and to take action against the MoU. Somalia views the agreement as a destabilizing factor in the Horn of Africa and has urged the international community to intervene.
The conflict between Somalia and Somaliland further complicates the already fragile stability in the region, with the potential to disrupt ongoing efforts towards regional cooperation and peacebuilding. The ramifications of this dispute extend beyond the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa and have implications for regional security, economic development, and diplomatic relations between nations.
The stand-off between Somalia and Somaliland underscores the complex dynamics of governance and statehood in Africa. It raises critical questions about the recognition of self-proclaimed states, the boundaries of sovereignty, and the role of international actors in addressing internal disputes. As the situation unfolds, it will require a delicate balance of diplomacy, legal considerations, and respect for the rights and aspirations of the people involved.
In conclusion, the discord surrounding the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland highlights the broader challenges of nation-building, self-determination, and the complexities of international relations. It underscores the need for dialogue, negotiation, and respect for the rights of all parties involved in the pursuit of peaceful and sustainable solutions.
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