In a joint press conference on Sunday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a stern warning, asserting that Egypt would not tolerate any threats to Somalia. The warning came in response to a contentious maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland. President Sisi, standing alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo, reiterated Egypt’s strong objection to the deal, characterizing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.
Directing a message to Ethiopians, President Sisi cautioned against any attempts to challenge Egypt and threaten its allies, particularly if requested to stand in solidarity. Cairo and Addis Ababa have been engaged in longstanding disputes, primarily centered around Ethiopia’s ambitious dam project on the Blue Nile, which Egypt argues poses a significant threat to its water security. Last week, Egypt’s foreign minister labeled Addis Ababa as a “source of instability in its region,” further intensifying the diplomatic tension.
The latest trigger for regional discord emerged on January 1, as landlocked Ethiopia entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, providing the former access to coveted sea routes. Mogadishu promptly condemned the maritime pact as an act of aggression, insisting on Ethiopia retracting the purportedly illegal MoU and reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. The situation has escalated, heightening regional tensions and prompting concerns over the potential for further conflict.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate with a population of 4.5 million, has struggled to gain international recognition for its claim to independence. While Mogadishu vehemently opposes Somaliland’s bid for statehood, the central government’s influence remains limited in the northern region. Somaliland boasts its own government, security forces, and currency, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa and one of the largest landlocked nations globally, lost its coastal access in 1993 when Eritrea seceded and declared independence after a protracted three-decade war. The maritime agreement with Somaliland is seen as a strategic move by Ethiopia to regain sea access and enhance its economic and geopolitical standing in the region. The dispute continues to evolve, with the international community closely monitoring the developments and potential repercussions in the Horn of Africa.
