The Somali Regional Government in Ethiopia has publicly commented on the maritime agreement signed in Addis Ababa between Ethiopia and Somaliland for the first time.
On Thursday, Mustafa Mohamed Omar’ Cagjar,’ the President of the Somali Region in Ethiopia, stressed the benefits of the comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He emphasized its role in fostering sustainable development and enhancing good neighbourly relations. The Somali Regional State Communication Bureau quoted him stating that the agreement not only grants Ethiopia sea access but also “strengthens existing good neighbourly relations.”
Cagjar’s comments followed closely on the heels of the Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council’s endorsement of the deal.
President Cagjar pointed out Ethiopia’s dependency on ports of neighbouring countries to support its large population, over 120 million. He noted the agreement’s potential benefits for Ethiopia, especially the Somali region, due to its significant animal exports.
He added that the maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland aims for mutual resource exchange and benefit, not as an attack on any individual. He emphasized the agreement’s potential advantages for both parties.
Addressing the Somali region’s populace, President Cagjar advised against involvement in maritime disputes. He stressed the importance of maintaining security and preventing any crisis related to maritime issues.
President Cagjar’s statement comes amid rising tensions following the Ethiopia-Somaliland maritime agreement, leading to significant conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia. He is the first prominent Somali leader to endorse the maritime deal publicly.
There is a division of opinions within Ethiopia’s Somali Regional Government on the contentious agreement. While some, as represented in government media, support the deal, a significant portion of the population remains opposed to the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement.
Despite facing protests within its region, the Somaliland government has confirmed its support for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia. Somaliland’s Defense Minister resigned, opposing the agreement. Concurrently, Major General Nuh Ismail Tani, Somaliland’s Defense Chief of Staff, met with Ethiopia’s Field Marshal Berhanu Jula in Addis Ababa, focusing on military cooperation.
Amid escalating tensions, the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have urged dialogue, but efforts to establish a platform for discussion have been lacking until now.
Internationally, the US, China, and Turkey have reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. In a related development, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held talks with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in Asmara, Eritrea. Additionally, Egypt has invited both President Hassan Sheikh and President Afwerki to Cairo.
Djibouti’s President Ismail Omar Guelleh, currently the rotating chair of IGAD, has called for an extraordinary session to address the ongoing situation between Ethiopia and Somalia. This initiative by Djibouti marks the first official intervention in the escalating tensions between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.
