Somalia: Ethiopia Stubbornly Clings to Sea MoU with North Western of Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia – President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud criticized Ethiopia’s stance on gaining sea access, saying it lacks regret or willingness to retract the disputed agreement with North Western of Somalia.
The agreement, inked earlier this year, has stirred tensions across the Horn of Africa, prompting mediation efforts. Preliminary discussions took place Monday in Ankara, led by Turkey’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan.
In Mogadishu on Monday evening, President Mohamud scrutinized Ethiopia’s position, asserting the country remains steadfast in maintaining the agreement, violating Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“So far, no sign of Ethiopia backtracking from their course,” he remarked after the talks in Turkey failed to produce a resolution.
Mohamud emphasized that Ethiopia itself asked Turkey to mediate. He noted direct discussions between Ethiopian and Somali delegates did not occur; instead, Turkey facilitated communication.
The agreement grants Ethiopia 20 kilometers of Red Sea coastline for a naval base and port, in return for recognizing North Western of Somalia as a state, to extend over 50 years.
Somalia has challenged the deal, pledging to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Ankara discussions have yet to dissolve these differences, with Somalia insisting on nullifying the agreement for peace to prevail.
A Monday statement from Ankara indicated that Somalia and Ethiopia signed a joint declaration in Turkey, expressing mutual commitment to resolve their issues.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the progress in Ankara, announcing a second round of talks scheduled for September, again in Turkey. Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Fiqi and his Ethiopian counterpart Taye Selassie attended the Ankara meetings but avoided direct discussions.
“The ministers concurred on continuing dialogue to iron out their issues and ensure regional stability,” the statement noted, applauding Turkey’s mediation role.
AXADLETM
