Arab League Supports Somalia Amid Ethiopia- North Western of Somalia Agreement Widening Divide
During the latest meet-up, Arab League ministers, including big wigs from Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Egypt, and Mauritania, showed full-throated support for Somalia’s territorial unity. They banded together in a statement, rejecting any legal, political, or military fallout from the Ethiopia- North Western of Somalia deal. They hammered in the point that North Western of Somalia is part and parcel of Somalia, and any resolution has to be hashed out through Somali dialogue.
The Arab League rooted its backing of Somalia in the principles found in the Arab League Charter and the United Nations charter, making it crystal clear that outside pressures won’t fly. These ministers stood firm, voicing strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty and stability, underscoring its vital role in regional peace.
This show of solidarity came right as Egypt ramped up its military presence in Somalia, stirring the pot with Ethiopia. Egypt’s recent deployment of 1,000 troops in Mogadishu and plans for joint military exercises with Somali forces signify a deepening military bond between the two countries. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has sounded the alarm about Egypt’s growing influence in Somalia, promising that Ethiopia would staunchly defend its sovereignty against any foreign meddling.
Despite these stark warnings, Ethiopia has brushed off past Arab League demands to scrap the contentious memorandum, viewing their involvement as meddlesome.
The bone of contention lies in Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland, where it leased 20 kilometers of coastline in exchange for diplomatic backing of Somaliland’s independence. Somalia blasted the deal as an attack on its sovereignty. By granting Ethiopia potential access to the Red Sea, the agreement is seen as a shrewd move by Ethiopia to secure a seaport after being landlocked for ages. These Red Sea ambitions have further strained Ethiopia-Somalia relations, with Somalia threatening to kick out Ethiopian troops under the African Union mission.
Neighboring Djibouti, dependent on its port economy and an Arab League member, has tried to play peacemaker. By offering Ethiopia “100% access” to one of its ports, Djibouti hopes to defuse the simmering tensions that threaten regional stability. Djibouti’s foreign minister floated this alternative to the North Western of Somalia deal, aiming to cool off geopolitical tensions. Still, Ethiopia remains laser-focused on securing a direct corridor to the Red Sea through Somaliland.
The Somalia- North Western of Somalia scuffle unfolds against a larger, arguably more pressing backdrop of the Egypt-Ethiopia standoff over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia sees the dam on the Blue Nile as key to its economic growth, while Egypt views it as a threat to its crucial water supply. Ethiopia has refused to ink a legally binding deal on the dam’s operations, prompting Egypt to ratchet up the pressure through military collaborations with Somalia – a strategic gambit that might nudge Ethiopia into serious negotiations.
Historically, during Arab League sessions, Somalia has sought regional support in its ongoing dispute with Ethiopia over Somaliland’s status. The League consistently voices unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning deals that fracture Somali unity. Past resolutions, like the one post-emergency session in January 2024 after the MoU announcement, denounce Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with North Western of Somalia as a breach of international law. These gatherings solidify regional opposition to Ethiopia’s actions.
At the bustling 162nd Arab League Council session in Cairo, high-level representatives from various member states are hashing out major regional issues, including the sovereignty tiff between Somalia and Ethiopia over Somaliland. / MOFA Somalia
