Somali religious leaders denounce Ethiopia’s pact with North Western of Somaliaand advocate for strengthened relations with Egypt.
Somali Clerics Criticize Ethiopia’s Pact with Somaliland, Advocate for Stronger Egyptian Relations
Mogadishu (AX) — A cadre of influential Somali religious leaders has vociferously denounced Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the self-declared North Western of Somaliaregion. They have also expressed resounding support for Somalia’s burgeoning ties with Egypt. Convening on a Sunday in Mogadishu, these clerics characterized Ethiopia’s actions as aggressive, rallying for a cohesive front to contest this agreement, stressing the imperative to oppose such intrusions that threaten Somali sovereignty.
“We will not tolerate this infringement upon our nation’s sovereignty by Ethiopia,” declared one cleric passionately. “It is our sacred obligation to safeguard the integrity and unity of Somalia.” They called upon all Somali citizens to unite in defending their homeland, promoting tranquility while discouraging any acts that could exacerbate societal rifts. Furthermore, they urged the Somali government to foster a climate that encourages respectful dialogue among all citizens, regardless of divergent opinions, to fortify national cohesion.
The clerics also extolled the friendship between Egypt and Somalia, highlighting a longstanding history of fruitful collaboration. They welcomed Egypt’s intensified involvement, especially in light of the rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. This diplomatic strain is rooted in Ethiopia’s controversial decision to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of coastline from the breakaway North Western of Somaliaregion, purportedly in exchange for backing its independence—a move that has been firmly rejected by Mogadishu as unlawful.
In conclusion, the clerics called on Ethiopia to honor the principles of peaceful coexistence with its neighbors and to uphold regional stability. This ongoing conflict unfolds against the backdrop of Egypt’s deepening partnership with Somalia, a relation some analysts perceive as a strategic alignment against Ethiopia’s divisive policies in the Horn of Africa.
