Somalia Rebuffs Ethiopia’s Maritime Aspirations

Mogadishu (AX) — In a significant diplomatic turn, Somalia has officially declined Ethiopia’s request to take part in an upcoming multinational military exercise set to occur within its territorial waters. The decision is anchored in Somalia’s commitment to uphold international law and safeguard its sovereign maritime rights, a crucial aspect of national identity that resonates deeply throughout the Somali populace.

Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi articulated the Somali government’s position with clarity when he stated that “We cannot allow a landlocked nation to operate in our waters.” This firm stance emphasizes Somalia’s unyielding claim over its land, seas, and airspace. Minister Fiqi went on to point out that any unauthorized involvement from Ethiopia not only breaches international maritime law but also poses a direct challenge to Somalia’s regulatory framework.

It was during a recent summit of East African foreign ministers in Addis Ababa that Ethiopia formally expressed its interest in participating in the coastal drill. Yet, while Ethiopia proposed to contribute naval personnel to the AU-led AUSSOM peacekeeping mission, Somali officials perceived this initiative as part of a broader strategy to assert maritime ambitions—a narrative that echoes throughout the region’s turbulent history.

In an age where every legal precedent feels delicate, Fiqi stressed that landlocked nations do not possess the legal authority to engage in marine operations within another nation’s jurisdiction without explicit consent, which Somalia has resolutely not granted. “There is no precedent or legal framework that allows this kind of involvement,” he remarked, underscoring the serious implications of such actions on the balance of power within the region.

This diplomatic tension does not arise in isolation. It gains context from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and North Western State of Somalia on January 1, 2024. This controversial deal allows North Western State of Somalia, a self-declared yet internationally unrecognized republic, to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of coastline near Berbera to Ethiopia for establishing a naval base. In exchange, Ethiopia hinted at a symbolic recognition of North Western State of Somalia’s independence—a move that has incited vehement backlash from Mogadishu.

Somalia’s response was swift and decisive. The government denounced the MoU as a blatant affront to its territorial integrity, recalling its ambassador from Addis Ababa and subsequently expelling Ethiopia’s ambassador in Mogadishu. The Somali Parliament echoed this sentiment by voting to nullify the agreement, while President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud characterized it as “an act of aggression.” Such heated reactions reflect the depth of historical grievances that linger in the air—will they ever find resolution?

Despite its landlocked status since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, Ethiopia has remained determined to secure access to the sea through various agreements with Djibouti, Sudan, and North Western State of Somalia. Yet, Somali officials argue that these engagements sidestep the nation’s territorial integrity and contravene existing international norms. How, then, can Ethiopia navigate its geographical limitations while ensuring respect for Somalia’s sovereignty?

Even without direct access to the coast, Ethiopia has initiated steps to rebuild its naval capacities as part of a broader strategy to project influence across the region. However, Somalia views these maneuvers as symptomatic of a creeping expansionism that threatens to undermine its sovereignty and stability. The air is thick with historical lessons; will both countries heed them this time?

As regional analysts observe the unfolding situation, concerns are mounting that this military standoff might further strain the already fragile diplomatic ties between these Horn of Africa neighbors. The specter of past tensions looms large, casting a long shadow over future interactions. The military exercise in question will proceed without Ethiopia’s involvement, as Somalia’s defense officials have clarified that only fully authorized partners will take part in the operation.

The complex interplay between territorial integrity, maritime law, and national sovereignty invites us to ponder: at what point do diplomatic overtures become encroachments? Can nations with vastly differing ambitions find common ground, or are we destined to witness an ongoing tug-of-war over maritime rights in the Horn of Africa?

In a region marked by its history and challenges, the question remains: how can dialogue prevail over division, and what role does each nation play in crafting a shared future? Each diplomatic step reverberates not just across borders, but within the hearts of those who call this region home.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.