Ethiopia issued a statement on Sunday addressing concerns surrounding its recent agreement with Somaliland, emphasizing that the deal is centered on cooperation and partnership, not annexation or the assumption of sovereignty over any state’s territory. The National Security Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Redwan Hussein, asserted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Somaliland grants Ethiopia access to the sea on mutually agreed business terms.
Highlighting the historical and cultural ties between Ethiopia and Somalia, Hussein stated, “Our destiny is entwined & inseparable,” emphasizing the fraternal nature of the relationship between the two nations. He also accused certain external actors of exploiting the situation for their own interests and sowing discord and chaos in the Horn of Africa.
According to Hussein, Ethiopia’s motivation is to engage with all its neighbors in the spirit of partnership to foster comprehensive regional integration. He stressed the importance of continued dialogue as a preferable alternative to statements, posturing, and rhetoric that could unnecessarily escalate tensions in the region.
The adviser’s comments followed Egypt’s declaration that it would not tolerate any threats to Somalia. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi affirmed Egypt’s commitment to Somalia’s security during a news conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Al-Sisi’s statement hinted at the geopolitical complexities surrounding the Red Sea access deal.
Earlier this month, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed the sea access deal, which was promptly rejected by Mogadishu. The Somali government deemed the agreement “illegitimate,” expressing concerns about its impact on regional stability, good neighborliness, and violation of sovereignty. In response, Somalia recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia.
The controversial agreement permits Ethiopia to lease a 20-kilometer (12-mile) stretch of coastal land in Somaliland, providing the landlocked nation with essential access to the Red Sea through the port of Berbera. The situation has heightened tensions in the region, with Ethiopia advocating for dialogue and cooperation, while Somalia perceives the deal as a threat to its sovereignty and regional stability.
