President Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland affirmed that Somaliland will uphold the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with Ethiopia, disregarding any external opposition. Speaking to the BBC, Bihi stated that the MoU remains intact, with finalization eagerly anticipated.
Bihi criticized Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accusing him of rallying against the Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement and engaging with Ethiopia’s rivals, particularly Egypt. The MoU, signed in January 2024, grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s ports in exchange for political recognition, though it remains in early stages of implementation.
Bihi highlighted rising regional tensions and alleged that Egypt, through a military pact with Somalia, aims to counter Somaliland’s independence movement. He expressed openness to dialogue with Somalia, contingent upon recognition of Somaliland’s autonomy, as he prepares for re-election in November 2024.