Ethiopia stated that its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland on access to the Red Sea is intended to foster regional cooperation and partnership, underlining that it does not involve "annexation" or an "assumption of sovereignty over the territory of any state."
"The signed MoU with Somaliland is a deal for cooperation & partnership that grants Ethiopia access to sea on business terms. It isn't annexation or assumption of sovereignty over the territory of any state," said Redwan Hussien, National Security Affairs Advisor to the Ethiopian Prime Minister, in a statement on social media.
Hussien underscored the deep historical and cultural connections between Ethiopia and Somalia, emphasizing their fraternal relationship and shared identity. He also criticized certain external actors, accusing them of opportunism and trying to sow discord instead of promoting peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
The Ethiopian official also advocated for continued dialogue as the preferred approach, as opposed to actions and rhetoric that needlessly escalate tensions.
"Ethiopia would like to engage with all its neighbors in a spirit of partnership with a view to promote a comprehensive regional integration. Ethiopia firmly believes continued dialogue is the better option than statements, posturing & rhetoric that unnecessarily ratchet up tension," Hussien wrote.
These statements came in the wake of Egypt's declaration that it will not tolerate any threats to Somalia. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi emphasized Egypt's commitment to safeguarding Somalia's security during a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The context for these remarks stems from Somalia's reaction to the signing of a sea access agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, with Somalia recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia and rejecting the agreement.
The deal allows Ethiopia to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of coastal land in the unrecognized Republic of Somaliland, giving the landlocked nation vital access to the Red Sea through the port of Berbera.
The complex political dynamics of the region, with the fragmentation of Somalia since 1991 and the unrecognized territories of Somaliland and Puntland, have added further layers of diplomatic complexity to this issue.
The leadership of Somaliland has indicated that Addis Ababa would formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland, but this has not been confirmed by the Ethiopian government.
In conclusion, Ethiopia reiterated that the agreement with Somaliland is aimed at facilitating the landlocked nation's access to the Red Sea and enabling Africa's second most populous country to play a key role in regional peace and security.