OIC Ministers Reject Ethiopia-Somaliland Port Deal, Says it Violates Somalia’s Sovereignty

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BANJUL: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministers have rejected the controversial memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland stating such a deal infringes on Somalia’s sovereignty.

The Ministers made the statement during a preparatory meeting for the fifteenth session of the Islamic Summit Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the Gambian capital, Banjul, between May 2 – 3, under the slogan “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the ministers underscored the importance of providing both material and technical assistance to strengthen Somalia’s governmental institutions and address the challenges posed by drought on Somali food security.

The agreement, which includes provisions for a 20-kilometre stretch of Somaliland’s coastline for naval access in exchange for potential recognition of the self-declared republic, has been met with skepticism and widespread condemnation by several nations across the world.

At the same time, the communiqué endorsed Somalia’s nomination of Ms. Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the period (2025-2028).

The 15th annual Islamic Summit Conference of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will discuss various issues and challenges in the Muslim world, particularly the issue of Palestine and the status quo in the Gaza Strip.