Ethiopia has largely remained silent regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with Somaliland, while Somalia has actively sought military, diplomatic, and other forms of support, claiming that the agreement infringes on its sovereignty.
However, Ethiopia has recently begun voicing its support for the accord, as demonstrated during the United Nations General Assembly.
According to an update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland is “based on the existing political arrangement in Somalia,” as stated by Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie during his speech at the UN.
Ethiopia also emphasized that the “goal is shared growth and prosperity in the region.”
Minister Taye further noted that similar agreements had been reached with other nations. “The Federal Government of Somalia has no reason to incite hostilities aimed at diverting attention from internal political tensions,” Taye added.
Ethiopia highlighted its sacrifices, along with those of other nations, in defending Somalia against terrorist organizations, suggesting that its intentions are not hostile.
However, critics from Somalia downplayed this argument, asserting that “land was not exchanged for service. “Under the terms of the MoU, Somaliland—a breakaway region of Somalia that has functioned as a de facto state with its own defense forces and diplomatic relations for 34 years—has agreed to lease Ethiopia 20 kilometers of coastal land for 50 years in exchange for recognition of its independence. Further details of the agreement remain confidential, as the deal has not yet been formalized. Somaliland sources have indicated that the agreement will be finalized soon.
This development has raised tensions in the region.
Calls for both nations to de-escalate have been largely ineffective, with Somalia showing greater interest in forming military alliances.
Egypt, capitalizing on the situation, has signed a military pact with the Hassan Sheikh Government in Mogadishu.
Egypt, long antagonistic towards Ethiopia, has supported various rebel groups and has reportedly been supplying weapons, including anti-aircraft missiles, to Somalia.
Eritrea has also joined the alliance, openly opposing Abiy Ahmed’s administration in Ethiopia. Before the MoU was even signed, Eritrea had trained tens of thousands of soldiers for the Hassan Sheikh regime.
Ethiopia views Egypt’s planned military deployments in Somalia and the transfer of both heavy and light weaponry as serious threats to regional stability.