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Wednesday February 21, 2024
PHOTO: SUPPLIED/ MoFA Somaliland
Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland has reiterated its commitment to implementing its contentious maritime agreement with Ethiopia despite the global pushback and international condemnation.
Speaking at a press conference at the Somaliland Diplomatic Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Isse Kayd Mohamud, stated that the agreement with the Ethiopian government is being fully executed and complies with international regulations.
“Our ability to enter into the MOU with Ethiopia is perfectly within this legitimate and legal discourse,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of providing clarity amidst the varied responses to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
“We, as a delegation, have elaborated on the mutual understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which not only aligns with international laws but also promises positive changes for both entities in economic, commercial, and security domains,” said Dr. Mohamud.
Dr. Mohamud addressed concerns raised by Somalia regarding the agreement, dismissing them as unfounded and emphasizing Somaliland’s distinct path and vision.
“To imagine we can even contemplate to be part of a failed and rogue state Called Somalia is a fallacy and overstretched imagination,” he asserted.
The Minister also condemned what he termed as recent hostile actions from Somalia, particularly against Somaliland citizens residing in Mogadishu, citing dangerous rhetoric from Somali leaders.
“These rhetoric has unfortunately and tragically led to targeting of Somaliland citizens who are currently in Somalia’s Capital City of Mogadishu,” he lamented.
Underlining the importance of the agreement, the Minister stressed that Somaliland is devoted to its implementation, having appointed a committee of experts for the task.
Dr. Mohamud also outlined practical steps Somaliland is taking to implement the MoU, including appointing an 8-member committee led by Ambassador Bashe Awil, which includes technical teams, international legal experts, and a high-level advisory group tasked with guiding the process.
“These measures demonstrate our unwavering commitment to translating the understanding into concrete action,” he emphasized.
However, despite the commitment from both Somaliland and Ethiopia, diplomatic pressures persist. Various international and regional organizations, including the African Union, have urged to preserve Somalia’s unity.
The Somali government has vehemently opposed the agreement, alleging that Ethiopia aims to annex parts of Somalia’s territory. President Hassan Sheikh has voiced this concern at African Union meetings and other occasions.
Dr. Mohamud’s remarks come amid a backdrop of escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, highlighted by Somalia’s recent approval of a 10-year defence and economic cooperation agreement with Turkey. The agreement is seen as a response to Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland.
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