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UPDATE: Somalia president signs law overturning Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement


Saturday January 6, 2024

 

Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, signed a law on Saturday overturning an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, following approval by both houses of Somalia's Federal Parliament. The signing, attended by the heads of both parliamentary chambers, nullifies a deal viewed as contrary to Somalia's interests.

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The law's enactment comes after both legislative houses deemed the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement invalid during an emergency parliamentary session this week, arguing it violates international norms and undermines Somalia's territorial integrity. The maritime agreement, a memorandum of understanding signed last Monday by Somaliland's President Muse Bihi and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, outlined the potential framework for a future pact between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa. Despite the details of the memorandum remaining undisclosed and contested, officials indicated that Somaliland would grant Ethiopia access to the Gulf of Aden with a naval base in exchange for shares in Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland's independence from Somalia.

In an interview with Ethiopia's state broadcaster, EBC, Redwan Hussein, a security adviser to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, it was disclosed that Ethiopia would be granted 20km of land along Somaliland's Gulf of Aden coast for at least 50 years. In return, Ethiopia would give Somaliland an equivalent value of shares in Ethiopian Airlines. However, Ethiopian officials have sent mixed messages regarding the deal, particularly on Somaliland's recognition, with a recent communique from Addis Ababa stating it would conduct an "in-depth assessment" before taking a stance on the issue.

President Mohamud lauded the parliament's role in safeguarding Somali heritage and independence, stating the legislation reflects Somalia's official stance against territorial encroachment.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said the bill " illustrates our commitment to safeguard our unity, sovereignty & territorial integrity as per international law."

He also stressed distinguishing between negotiable political matters and existential national issues.

The deal has faced substantial international condemnation and has been described by Somalia as an act of "aggression." Mogadishu has already recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa.

Despite Somalia's protests, Somaliland remains undeterred, intending to proceed with a preliminary pact agreed upon with Ethiopia.

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