PM Abiy’s Stance on Red Sea Hurting Ethiopia More, Experts Say, as Somalia Remains Firm on Dialogue

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Somalia has reiterated its stance against any dialogue with Ethiopia unless it withdraws the MoU it signed with the breakaway region of Somalia, a presidential committee tasked with handling the dispute has said noting PM Abiy Ahmed’s intransigence is even more hurting Ethiopia.

Speaking during an online forum hosted by Goobjoog News Monday night, committee members Abdi Aynte and Faisal Roble said Mogadishu cut off communications with Addis Ababa until the PM Abiy Ahmed administration rescinds its stances on the Red Sea matter.

“Somalia has suspended communication with Ethiopia until the latter reverses its stance. This uncompromising approach reflects Somalia’s determination to protect its interests amidst bilateral tensions. Further dialogue depends on Ethiopia’s willingness to reverse course on these issues,” Aynte, who is the Coordinator of the Committee on the Defense of Somalia’s Sovereignty, said.

Aynte, who also formerly served as Planning and International Investment Minister said Somalia has since gained significant international support in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity following the signing of the MoU in January. “This is a testament to the government’s efforts in navigating complex geopolitical challenges,” Aynte said.

He noted that both Ethiopia and Somaliland had failed to implement the MoU as agreed, following pressure from Somalia and the international community.

“However, despite the initial plans to implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) within 30 days, Somaliland and Ethiopia have faced setbacks in the last six months, hindering the progress of the agreement, Aynte said. “Nonetheless, the issue has gained substantial global attention, highlighting the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve the situation and foster stability in the region.”

Committee member Faisal Roble warned that PM Abiy’s intransigence could cost Ethiopia in far-reaching ways but noted that Somalia was ready to defend its resources by all means possible.

“If Ethiopia maintains its intransigent stance on the issue, it could be interpreted as a direct provocation tantamount to a formal declaration of war. The Somali government stands prepared to take appropriate and measured actions to protect its national interests and sovereignty should Ethiopia continue to pursue its current course,” Roble said.

He noted that Ethiopia was currently undergoing internal turmoil which could worsen should PM Abiy continue his quest for the Red Sea in violation of international law.

“Ethiopia is currently facing state decay, with three ongoing conflicts. The country is in the early stages of state collapse, characterized by targeted assassinations of different ethnic groups,” Roble said, adding, “This dire situation is attributed to the paranoid and narcissistic leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.”

Roble added, “If Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed approaches this matter with a pragmatic and level-headed perspective, it could serve the best interests of his nation and contribute to a more harmonious regional dynamic. A logical and diplomatic stance on the sea access issue could pave the way for constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial agreements between Ethiopia and its neighbours.”

PEACE AND STABILITY

However, Roble noted, ‘Abiy’s current rhetoric and philosophy stand in stark contrast to the principles of peace and stability that the region so desperately needs. His confrontational approach and unwillingness to engage in good faith negotiations risk further exacerbating tensions and undermining the fragile balance that exists within the Horn of Africa.’

Somalia has been at loggerheads with Ethiopia following the controversial MoU on January 1 which has since sparked international condemnation. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has however stood his ground on implementing the agreement.

Aynte however noted Ethiopia had the chance to access the sea but only through internationally accepted norms as it secured space in the port of Lamu in Kenya and Djibouti.

“The position of the Somali Government has always been that: if Ethiopia desires to use a port since it’s a landlocked country, it should do so by going through the internationally recognized legal procedures that allow it commercial access to neighbourly ports.”

Noting that Ethiopia’s landlocked status is not for Somalia to address, Aynte said, Somalia maintains that Ethiopia must address its own lack of sea access, with any bilateral agreements respecting international law and sovereignty.

THE SOMALILAND QUESTION

On the Somaliland question, the two committee members said the matter is an internal political matter which requires a political approach. “The Government has so far engaged in good faith negotiations to address these concerns, the Djibouti talks being a case in point, but to the dismay of our people, President Muse Bihi has thwarted all attempts by signing the illegal MoU with Ethiopia,” Aynte said. He noted that the Federal Government had ‘consistently treated this matter with the utmost seriousness and respect.’

“Somaliland’s claim to independence based on its former status as British Somaliland and is in violation of Somali sovereignty, this argument in the current geopolitical context. The reality on the ground has shifted significantly, with the emergence and establishment of new administrative entity of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions, which have voiced their opposition to Somaliland’s secessionist agenda and suffered as result,” said Aynte.

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