Somaliland’s Determined Pursuit of Red Sea Access Amid Neighborly Strains

HARGEISA, Somalia – Somaliland, the self-declared independent region, has reiterated that their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia regarding access to the Red Sea is nearly finalized. Only the legal formalities await completion now.

Essa Kayd, the Foreign Affairs and International Relations Minister, shared this update with diplomats in Hargeisa. He deemed the advancement as ‘momentous and imminent.’

Months back, Kayd indicated the MoU’s implementation was progressing, needing only minor tweaks. An international team of legal analysts and high-level advisors are ironing out these final details.

Though Ethiopia has been mostly mum on tangible progress, a resolution in January from the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) signaled their commitment to converting the MoU into a practical treaty.

Simultaneously, the PP expressed a preference for negotiation, seeking diverse port access options with other adjacent nations, according to Addis Standard. They view the MoU as a symbol of Ethiopia’s push for regional economic and cultural integration.

Somalia, however, insists that granting Ethiopia a 20-kilometer stretch to the Red Sea breaches international laws and invades its sovereignty. This has sparked contention.

Turkey stepped in to mediate, but discussions broke down. Somalia remains steadfast on annulling the agreement and has signed defense deals with Egypt and Turkey to fortify its sovereignty.

During a recent briefing, Dr. Kayd voiced worries over Egyptian military presence in Somalia. Egypt declared its commitment to safeguard Somalia against foreign threats.

Last week, Ethiopia opposed the transition of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), warning it brings peril to the region. The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “We can’t just stand by as destabilizing actions unfold.”

Inside Somalia, the call for Ethiopian forces’ withdrawal has stirred varied reactions. The Southwest region views it as a move to introduce the ‘Nile issue’ to Somalia, thereby risking conflict in the Horn of Africa.

Addressing the diplomatic corps, Dr. Kayd criticized the Egyptian deployment in Somalia for fueling proxy wars in the region.

Earlier today, Dr. Kayd announced Somaliland’s closure of the “Egyptian Cultural Library” in Hargeisa due to significant security risks. Staff have been instructed to vacate within 72 hours, reported Addis Standard.

AXADLETM