Somalia Rejects Calls for Dialogue with Ethiopia Over MOU Dispute

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has stated that it will not hold any dialogue over the controversial naval Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Untiled Ethiopia “revokes the deal it signed with Somaliland.”

In an official statement released Friday, the Foreign Affairs ministry expressed Somalia’s commitment to regional peace and collaboration with international partners including the particularly the G7 to ensure stability in the Horn of Africa.

“Dialogue with Ethiopia remains unattainable until it revokes the illegal memorandum of understanding with the northern region of Somalia (Somaliland) and demonstrates full respect for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and principle of non-interference,” the statement reads in part.  

During a recent G7 meeting, ministers from the foreign nations called Somalia and Ethiopia to maintain dialogue channels open as a way of averting further tension and urged the two nations to cooperate with regional allies, adhere to international laws and respect other countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity as outlined in the UN Charter.

The G7 commended Somalia for its significant strides in building government institutions, economic management and security reforms and at the same time praised the government’s progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab and also called for inclusivity in the ongoing constitutional reforms.

The nations also pledged continued humanitarian assistance to those in the Horn of Africa who are grappling with food scarcity, poverty, violence, and the repercussions of severe weather and displacement.