Ethiopia - Somaliland MOU

Ethiopia and Somaliland sign deal to boost sea access and regional integration

Ethiopia, a landlocked country with more than 100 million people, has taken a major step towards gaining access to the sea by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, a self-declared republic that seceded from Somalia more than 30 years ago.

The MoU, signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa on 1 January 2024, grants Ethiopia naval and commercial access to ports along Somaliland’s coast, especially the strategic port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden. In exchange, Ethiopia will recognize Somaliland’s independence, a significant move given Somaliland’s three-decade quest for international recognition.

The deal, which was described as “historic” by both leaders, is expected to boost trade, security, and regional integration in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia, which lost its access to the sea when Eritrea seceded in the early 1990s, has been relying on the port of Djibouti for most of its imports and exports. The agreement with Somaliland will diversify Ethiopia’s access to sea ports and reduce its dependence on a single route.

The deal also includes a provision for Ethiopia to access a “leased military base” on the Red Sea, according to Ethiopia’s national security adviser, Redwan Hussien. This could enhance Ethiopia’s maritime security and counter the influence of rival powers in the region, such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

The agreement, however, has stirred tensions with Somalia, which considers Somaliland as part of its territory and has not recognized its independence. Somalia’s government announced that it would convene an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the issue, according to state news agency Sonna. Somalia’s former president, Mohamed Farmaajo, expressed his concern on X, formerly Twitter, saying that the deal was a “serious concern for Somalia and the whole of Africa”.

The deal also came days after Somalia and Somaliland announced a breakthrough in talks in Djibouti, committing to further dialogue between their respective capitals. Some analysts have suggested that the deal could either undermine or accelerate the reconciliation process between Somalia and Somaliland, depending on how the parties react.

Sources: BBC, The Guardian, AP News, Addis Standard, Hiiraan Online

Comments

"The Ripple Effect: How USAID Funding Cuts Threaten Somalia’s Fragile Stability"

Somalia’s Political, Security, and Economic Landscape Somalia stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a complex mix of political instability, security threats, and economic fragility. The country, which has long suffered from civil conflict and weak governance structures, has made significant yet fragile progress in state-building. The federal government continues to struggle with power disputes among federal member states, clan-based rivalries, and delayed elections that hinder political stability. On the security front, armed oppoaition groups remains a potent force, orchestrating frequent attacks on both civilian and military targets. Despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts by the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the militant group maintains control over strategic areas, disrupting governance and humanitarian operations. Economically, Somalia faces a daunting reality. With a heavy reliance on external a...

The US Dollar A Common Currency In Somalia

The US dollar is a common currency in Somalia The US dollar is commonly used as a currency in Somalia, especially in urban areas and in international transactions. This is due to the instability of the Somali shilling, which has experienced significant inflation and devaluation over the years. The use of the US dollar in Somalia dates back to the early 1990s, when the country descended into civil war and the central government collapsed. Without a functioning central bank to issue and regulate its currency, Somalia has relied on foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, for trade and commerce. Additionally, many Somalis living abroad send remittances to their families in Somalia in US dollars, further contributing to the widespread use of the currency in the country. How has the use of the US dollar affected the Somali economy? The use of the US dollar in Somalia has had both positive and negative effects on the economy. Positive effects : - Stabilization: The US dollar has pro...

The Constitution of Somalia Remains Draft More than A Decade

The draft Constitution of Somalia was developed by the Constitutional Commission between 2010 and 2012 and was approved by the National Constituent Assembly in August 2012. However, its adoption has been delayed due to political instability and disagreements between different political actors in Somalia. In fact, the process to finalize the draft Constitution of Somalia became long and complex one, with numerous challenges and obstacles that have prevented its completion. Some of the main reasons why Somalia has been unable to finalize the draft Constitution include: 1. Political instability: Somalia has been affected by political instability and conflict for many years, which has made it difficult to establish a stable government and political system. In such an environment, it can be challenging to build consensus on a new Constitution that reflects the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders. 2. Clan-based politics: Somalia's political system is based on clan affiliations, w...

End of AU Mission - Is Somalia Ready?

Introduction : Background of the AU mission in Somalia, its mandate, achievements, and challenges. The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) is a regional peacekeeping operation authorized by the United Nations Security Council in 2007 to support the Somali government in restoring peace and stability in the country. AMISOM’s mandate includes providing security for key institutions, facilitating humanitarian assistance, supporting the political process, and enabling the gradual transfer of security responsibilities to the Somali security forces. AMISOM has contributed to the liberation of most of the territory from the control of al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist group that has waged a violent insurgency against the Somali government and its allies. However, AMISOM has also faced many challenges, such as inadequate resources, logistical constraints, political divisions, human rights violations, and attacks from al-Shabaab and other armed groups. As of December 2023, AMISOM has about 1...

"Ethiopia Joins AUSSOM: Balancing Allies and Rivalries in Somalia's Security Mission"

Ethiopia Joins AUSSOM Mission: A New Chapter in Somalia’s Security Landscape The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) has witnessed a significant development with the inclusion of Ethiopian troops among its contributing forces. This decision, the outcome of high-level discussions between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and Ethiopia, marks a critical step in the evolving dynamics of Somalia’s security framework. Background of Ethiopia’s Engagement Ethiopia has historically played an active role in Somalia’s stability, both bilaterally and through multilateral mechanisms. The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have been involved in countering the Al-Shabaab insurgency for years, often operating outside the formal African Union mandate. However, their recent inclusion within the AUSSOM framework signals a more coordinated approach to peacekeeping in Somalia. The agreement followed strategic negotiations between Somalia's leadership and Ethiopia, emphasizi...

TheSomaliDiary

Search This Blog