Somalia vows to fight amid Ethiopia, Somaliland controversial deal

MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a diplomatic escalation, Somalia has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia and pledged to defend its sovereignty through “any legal means” following a surprise deal between Addis Ababa and the breakaway region of Somaliland.

The agreement, announced on Monday, grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera and includes provisions for a military base.

Somalia views the pact as a “clear violation” of its sovereignty.

Somalia’s central government had recently agreed to resume dialogue with Somaliland after years of deadlock, making the timing of the deal particularly sensitive.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not gained international recognition.

The Somali cabinet released a statement branding the memorandum of understanding (MOU) as a violation of its sovereignty and unity, declaring it “null and void with no legal basis.”

In response, the Somali government has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultation.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre called for unity among the people of Somalia and reassured that the country would defend its land, sea, and skies through legal means.

“We must unite and forget about our differences to defend our land, integrity, and sovereignty,” stated Prime Minister Barre.

Somalia has appealed to international bodies, including the United Nations, African Union, Arab League, and the East African regional group IGAD, urging them “to stand with the right for Somalia to defend its sovereignty and force Ethiopia to adhere to international laws.”

The deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland allows Ethiopia coveted access to the Red Sea, vital for its landlocked economy.

Ethiopia lost access to the coast when Eritrea seceded in 1993. The Red Sea port of Berbera, located on the Gulf of Aden, serves as a strategic gateway.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed‘s national security adviser, Redwan Hussein, confirmed that Ethiopia would have access to a leased military base as part of the agreement.

The specific timeline for the implementation of the pact remains unclear.

Somalia’s decision to recall its ambassador comes on the heels of renewed talks between Somalia and Somaliland, mediated by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh.

The British embassy welcomed the dialogue as a “vital step towards reconciliation,” while the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also expressed support.

Somaliland, with a population of 4.5 million, has operated independently, issuing its own currency and passports.

Despite being viewed as a stable entity in the Horn of Africa, its quest for international recognition has remained elusive, leaving it economically constrained and isolated.

The recent agreement has heightened political tensions and raised concerns about the fragile stability in the region.