Ethiopia Takes First Steps Towards Sea Access with Somaliland Deal

Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked country, signed an agreement with Somaliland to access the Somaliland coastline, establishing a marine force base and strengthening their partnership.

In a significant move, landlocked Ethiopia has taken the initial steps towards gaining access to the sea by signing an agreement with the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland. The memorandum of understanding was signed in the capital of Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi.

Somaliland to Lease Coastal Land to Ethiopia

As part of the agreement, Somaliland plans to lease a 20-km (12.4-mile) stretch of land along its coastline to Ethiopia for the establishment of a marine force base. This development marks a crucial step for Ethiopia, which, with a population estimated at over 120 million, holds the distinction of being the most populous landlocked country in the world.

Strengthening Ties between Ethiopia and Somaliland

The agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland aims to bolster their security, economic, and political partnership. According to a statement from the Ethiopian prime minister's office, the partnership will enhance cooperation in various areas.

Somaliland's Recognition as an Independent Country

Somaliland President Abdi revealed that the agreement includes a statement indicating Ethiopia's recognition of Somaliland as an independent country in the near future. This announcement holds significant implications, as Somaliland seceded from Somalia more than 30 years ago but remains unrecognized by the African Union and the United Nations as an independent state.

Somalia's Reaction to the Agreement

The news of the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia was met with swift reactions from Somalia. Somalia maintains its stance that it is indivisible and that its sovereignty and territorial integrity are uncompromisable. Abdirizak Omar Mohamed, Somalia's petroleum and mineral resources minister, expressed his disapproval of the agreement.

Somalia took to social media platforms to voice its concerns. On the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, Somalia posted a message stating that Ethiopia is aware that it cannot sign a military pact or memorandum of understanding to lease a port with a regional head of state, as such authority lies solely with the Federal Government of Somalia.

Somali state-owned media also announced on social media that the Somali Cabinet would convene on Tuesday to discuss the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia.

Ethiopia's Historical Context

Ethiopia lost its access to the sea when Eritrea seceded in 1993. Since then, Ethiopia has relied on the port in neighboring Djibouti for the majority of its imports and exports.

The agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland marks a significant development in the region. While it strengthens ties between the two entities, it also raises concerns and objections from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory. The coming days will likely see further discussions and negotiations as the implications of this agreement unfold.