Somali President Issues Stern Warning to Ethiopia Over Territorial Claims in Somali Waters

In Mogadishu, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has accused Ethiopia of coveting parts of Somalia’s sea, cautioning them to respect a recent MoU with Somaliland’s leader.

President Mohamud, addressing issues at a mosque in Mogadishu, criticized Ethiopia for trying to exploit Somalia’s recovery and historical interest in the Somali Sea.

“The Ethiopian Prime Minister and his government are taking advantage of Somalia’s vulnerability. Ethiopia has a long history of trying to gain access to our sea,” Mohamud stated.

He urged Ethiopia to relinquish its ambitions in the Somali sea, warning of consequences if they persist in their efforts, echoing past failures.

In January, Ethiopia inked a controversial deal with Somaliland for sea access, sparking a dispute with Mogadishu over alleged violations of sovereignty and good neighborliness.

The agreement grants Ethiopia a 20-kilometer coastal strip in Somaliland for access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera.