The escalating tension between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, has attracted significant regional and international concern. Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, signed on January 1st, aims to provide Ethiopia with maritime access through the port of Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. This deal involves a 50-year lease of 20 kilometers of coastline for both military and commercial purposes, which Ethiopia argues is crucial for its landlocked economy (Africanews) (Al Jazeera).
Somalia’s government, however, perceives this agreement as a direct violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. It argues that the deal is tantamount to an annexation of its territory, prompting it to expel the Ethiopian ambassador and publicly denounce the agreement as illegal (Al Jazeera). The strong reaction from Somalia has led to a diplomatic standoff, with Mogadishu seeking support from international bodies like the United Nations and the African Union to counter the deal (Voice of America).
International bodies, including the United States and the European Union, have echoed Somalia’s concerns. The African Union and IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) have stressed the importance of respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity and urged Ethiopia and Somalia to engage in dialogue to de-escalate the situation and seek a peaceful resolution. They have highlighted the potential adverse impact of the conflict on regional stability, which could exacerbate the already volatile situation in the Horn of Africa (Voice of America) (Somaliland.com).
Ethiopia’s strategic interests are deeply tied to the agreement, given its lack of direct access to the sea since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Ethiopia has since relied heavily on the port of Djibouti for its international trade, making the prospect of access to the port of Berbera particularly significant. However, the backlash from Somalia and other international stakeholders has pushed Ethiopia to reconsider its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, fearing further regional destabilization and the potential isolation from international diplomatic and economic communities (Yahoo) (BNN).
The situation remains delicate, with both regional stability and the aspirations of Somaliland for recognition hanging in the balance. The ongoing discussions and diplomatic interventions suggest a complex geopolitical puzzle that involves not just Ethiopia and Somalia, but a broader constellation of regional powers and international interests aiming to maintain peace and stability in a region that has historically been fraught with conflicts and political upheaval.
