Somalia’s claims about Ethiopia’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland were strongly refuted by Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie. He dismissed the accusations as “unfounded” and accused Somalia of trying to “distract from internal political tensions” by stirring up “hostility.”
In defense of the agreement, Ambassador Taye addressed the 79th United Nations General Assembly, stating that the MoU is “based on Somalia’s existing political framework” and is intended to promote “shared growth and prosperity in the region.” He added, “Similar agreements have been made with other states.”
“I categorically reject these baseless allegations against my country. Ethiopia’s name cannot be associated with such accusations,” emphasized Ambassador Taye.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have escalated following the signing of the MoU on January 1, which aims to provide Ethiopia access to the sea in exchange for Somaliland’s recognition.
In his speech to the General Assembly, Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, accused Ethiopia of “blatantly violating” Somalia’s territorial integrity. “Somalia faces a serious threat from Ethiopia’s actions, which flagrantly undermine our sovereignty,” stated Prime Minister Barre.
Ambassador Taye also voiced concerns about “recent maneuvers by external actors outside the Horn of Africa,” warning that these moves jeopardize regional efforts for security and stability. He called on the international community to recognize the “imminent threat” posed by such foreign interventions and urged them to “immediately halt their reckless actions.”