Somalia’s president signed a bill on Saturday nullifying a preliminary agreement allowing Somaliland to provide Ethiopia with port access to its coast.
This symbolic move aimed to rebuke both parties over a deal that has heightened tensions across the Horn of Africa.Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid a civil war and has operated autonomously since.
The memorandum of understanding, signed between Somaliland’s president and Ethiopia’s prime minister, outlined the broad outlines of a potential pact. It included granting Ethiopia access to the Gulf of Aden in exchange for shares in Ethiopian Airlines and recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
While details of the memorandum remain contested and undisclosed, officials mentioned granting Ethiopia 20km of land along Somaliland’s Gulf of Aden coast for at least 50 years. Ethiopia, in return, would offer Somaliland an equivalent value of shares in Ethiopian Airlines.
Despite not being legally binding at this point, the memorandum also involves diplomatic recognition for Somaliland, a long-sought goal for the self-declared republic. Ethiopian officials have given mixed messages about this aspect, with no commitment from Ethiopia at this stage.
The deal has faced international condemnation, infuriating Somalia, which considers it an act of aggression. Somalia’s president urged Ethiopia and Somaliland to reverse course, stating that Somali territory cannot be exchanged for shares in Ethiopian companies.
Somalia recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia and appealed to the international community for support. The US, UK, Turkey, EU, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and Arab League have all called for restraint and dialogue, emphasizing respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Somaliland appears undeterred by pushback, expressing its intent to proceed with the preliminary pact. This controversial agreement has divided public opinion, sparking demonstrations and counter-demonstrations across Somalia and Somaliland, where there is a history of conflict with Ethiopia.
