Somalia Insists Ethiopia Cancels Covert North Western State of Somalia Deal Prior to Negotiations
Mogadishu— Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi dismissed immediate negotiations with Ethiopia over their maritime squabble, blaming Ethiopia's steadfastness over its controversial deal with North Western State of Somalia.
The heart of the conflict lies in an agreement struck in January 2024, where North Western State of Somalia granted Ethiopia a 50-year lease over 20 kilometers of coastline. This pact would provide landlocked Ethiopia with coveted sea access for commercial and naval use. In return, Ethiopia was…