Somaliland and Ethiopia signs "Historic" MoU on access to Red Sea and Establishment of Naval Base

[Che -Guevara]

 

[Che -Guevara]

Zionists, American right wing racists and secessionists are having a meltdown on Twitter regarding Ilhan's speech. 

[Tallaabo]

2 hours ago, Che -Guevara said:

Zionists, American right wing racists and secessionists are having a meltdown on Twitter regarding Ilhan's speech. 

What was her speech about? I am sure our issues aren't in her list of priorities at the moment. 

[Che -Guevara]

1 hour ago, Tallaabo said:

What was her speech about? I am sure our issues aren't in her list of priorities at the moment. 

About MoU. Here it's.

 

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Secessionists Ilhaan Cumar maa gubeyso. They were even tagging far right figures on Twitter in order to make her look bad. Caqlixumaa secessionists. Naceybkee Soomaalida meel sare gaaro u qabaan marmar ka yaabaa.

Che, baliis remove this deliberately mistranslated clip. Don't give clicks this secessionist cuqdada heyso. "Somalian" kulahaa. Kas ugu dan leeyihiin.

This same clip from Universal TV isticmal.

 

[maakhiri1]

Secessionist took way too personal and were enraged

They are taking her comments out of proportion 

[maakhiri1]

 

[Che -Guevara]

12 minutes ago, maakhiri1 said:

 

I guess the two-track policy is coming to an end. Whether the federal government and HSM knew about the MoU or not, Bihi put them in a position where they had to respond due to public outcry and take unfavorable measures.

[Che -Guevara]

Good summary of the situation so far

Consultations on the Situation between Ethiopia and Somalia under the “Peace and Security in Africa” Agenda Item

Tomorrow afternoon (29 January), Security Council members will convene for closed consultations to consider the situation between Ethiopia and Somalia under the “Peace and security in Africa” agenda item. Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa Hanna Serwaa Tetteh is expected to brief. France, January’s Council President, scheduled the consultations after Somalia requested an urgent meeting in a 23 January letter to the Council. The letter cites Article 35 of the UN Charter, which states that any UN member state “may bring any dispute, or any situation referred to in Article 34 [that is, one that may lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute] to the attention of the Security Council or of the General Assembly”. It appears that before scheduling the meeting, France engaged extensively with the members of the “A3 plus one” grouping (Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Guyana). At the same time, the “A3 plus one” members apparently engaged bilaterally with Ethiopia and Somalia. At the time of writing, no outcome was expected in connection with the meeting.

Somalia’s request for a Council meeting comes against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Horn of Africa after the signing on 1 January of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic in the northern region of Somalia. While the exact details of the MoU have not been made public by either side, Somaliland announced that, “n exchange for 20-kilometer sea access for the Ethiopian naval forces, leased for a period of 50 years, Ethiopia will formally recognise the Republic of Somaliland”. On the other hand, Ethiopia said in a 3 January statement that the MoU allows it to “obtain a permanent and reliable naval base and commercial maritime service in the Gulf of Aden through a lease agreement”. Regarding recognition for Somaliland, the statement notes that the MoU only includes “provisions for the Ethiopian government to make an in-depth assessment towards taking a position regarding the efforts of Somaliland to gain recognition”.

In its 23 January letter to the Council, Somalia said that the MoU “constitutes an unlawful transgression” of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, of which Somaliland “is a constituent part”. Somalia first brought the matter to the Council’s attention in a letter that was circulated to Council members on 4 January, in which Somalia’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Omar stated that the MoU was “entered into without the consent or endorsement of the Federal Government of Somalia and effectively violates the country’s constitution”. Omar further said that this development significantly endangers regional and international peace and security, and urged the Council to “swiftly condemn Ethiopia’s flagrant violations” and ensure its compliance with international law.

In the preceding weeks, several regional, sub-regional, and inter-governmental organisations have voiced concerns about the situation. On 9 January, Mauritania, in its capacity as Chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), sent a letter to the Council, which stressed the need to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and to safeguard security, peace, and stability in the region. On 12 January, Bahrain, Chair of the Group of Arab States at the UN, also sent a letter to the Council (S/2024/57) conveying the position of the League of Arab States (LAS) on the matter. The LAS rejected the MoU and stated that such actions “violate international law and jeopardise the overall territorial integrity of the Somali state”.

On 17 January, the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) held a meeting to discuss the situation between Ethiopia and Somalia. In a press statement released following the meeting, the AUPSC expressed deep concern about the situation and reaffirmed its strong commitment and support for preserving the unity, territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of all member states, including Ethiopia and Somalia. The statement called on the parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate the situation, and engage in meaningful dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. Furthermore, it requested the Chairperson of the AU Commission (the organisation’s secretariat) to deploy the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, to foster dialogue between the parties and to provide regular updates to the AUPSC.

On 17 January, the LAS also convened a ministerial-level emergency session on the matter at Somalia’s request. The decision adopted at the end of the meeting, among other things:

reaffirmed that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia and rejected the 1 January MoU, declaring it void, unacceptable, and a violation of international law;

said that this development threatened the national security of Arab states and navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; and

requested Algeria, as the only Arab member of the Security Council, “to mobilise necessary support to issue necessary resolutions affirming the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.

On 18 January, the 42nd extraordinary summit of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State and Government was held in Entebbe, Uganda. The communiqué adopted following the meeting expressed deep concern about recent developments in the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. The communiqué reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia while noting that any agreement entered into should be with the consent of Somalia. It called on both parties to de-escalate tensions and engage in constructive dialogue.

In response to Somalia’s request for an urgent Council meeting, Ethiopia sent a letter to the Council on 26 January (S/2024/102), which outlined Addis Ababa’s position about the 1 January MoU, without delving into the aspects of recognition for Somaliland. The letter said that the MoU “paves the way for Ethiopia to secure access to a sea outlet based on commercial bases and mutually acceptable terms in line with international norms”. It expressed Ethiopia’s readiness to engage with Obasanjo, while arguing that the UN Security Council should not discuss the issue since it is being considered by the AUPSC.

Security Council members have been following the developments closely. On 18 January, after the closed consultations on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière (France) raised the issue under “any other business”. In his remarks, Rivière apparently apprised the members about the letters sent to the Council about the matter and France’s engagement with the relevant stakeholders, including the members of the Arab Troika (Bahrain, Egypt, and Tunisia) and the Permanent Representative of the LAS to the UN, Maged Abdelaziz. (The Arab Summit Troika is a group of three rotating countries that monitors the implementation of resolutions and commitments adopted by the LAS, which consists of the outgoing, current, and incoming Arab Summit chairs.)

Tomorrow’s meeting will provide an opportunity for Council members to exchange views on recent developments and have a frank conversation about the way forward that preserves regional peace, stability, and security. Tetteh may echo the messages contained in a readout of a 10 January telephone call between UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Guterres recalled that the Security Council has repeatedly affirmed its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Somalia. He further expressed hope that all parties will engage in a peaceful and constructive dialogue and refrain from any actions that could further escalate the situation. Members may ask her views on the potential impact of the MoU on the political and security dynamics in the region.

Several Council members—including China, the UK, and the US—as well as the EU have expressed concern about the rising tensions between the two sides, while stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. In a similar vein, at tomorrow’s meeting, several members are expected to express concern about the deteriorating situation, call on both sides to exercise restraint, and underline the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and de-escalation.

In addition, some Council members may raise concerns about the security implications of this development for Somalia and the region. The signing of the MoU comes at a critical juncture when Somalia is confronting the challenges from its security transition and ongoing offensive operations against Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with Al-Qaeda. In his remarks at the 18 January IGAD Summit, US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer said that “the MOU threatens to disrupt the fight that Somalis, along with Africans and regional and international partners–including the US–are waging against Al-Shabaab”, while noting reports about Al-Shabaab using the MoU to generate recruits. He urged both sides to “avoid precipitous actions, including related to existing Ethiopian force deployments in Somalia, that could create opportunities for Al-Shabaab to expand its reach within Somalia and into Ethiopia”.

Some members, including the “A3 plus one”, are likely to call for support for the regional and sub-regional initiatives and welcome Obasanjo’s engagement in this regard. In an explanatory note to the 17 January LAS decision, Algeria rejected any foreign interference in the affairs of Somalia, while emphasising the need to respect the sovereignty and independence of all member states. Algeria also stressed the importance of refraining from any act that undermined the integration of, and strategic cooperation between, Arab and African member states. It highlighted the significance of dialogue and negotiations in resolving any dispute, while taking note of the measures undertaken by the AU and the IGAD in this regard.

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

5 hours ago, Tallaabo said:

What was her speech about? I am sure our issues aren't in her list of priorities at the moment. 

she called us fake Somalis ama dad somali sheegto , its funny she doesnt know the Somali word for agreement and she thinks we are not Somalis 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

2 hours ago, Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar said:

Secessionists Ilhaan Cumar maa gubeyso. They were even tagging far right figures on Twitter in order to make her look bad. Caqlixumaa secessionists. Naceybkee Soomaalida meel sare gaaro u qabaan marmar ka yaabaa.

Che, baliis remove this deliberately mistranslated clip. Don't give clicks this secessionist cuqdada heyso. "Somalian" kulahaa. Kas ugu dan leeyihiin.

This same clip from Universal TV isticmal.

 

what about her nacayb for Somalilanders 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Alexander Stafford: ‘The UK cannot afford to ignore Somaliland’s plea for recognition’

Perhaps the most important lesson we should learn from the brutal war in Ukraine is the value of free, democratic friends in difficult places. The UK has taken a leading role in supporting our brave friends in Ukraine, having been one of the largest donors of military aid; but we have many other friends – or, perhaps, would-be friends – around the world whom we are consistently failing. 

Nowhere is it more important to support democracies and cultivate friends than the Horn of Africa. This is an area of great international concern: most recently with the resurgence of Houthi activity in the Red Sea, but also ongoing concerns about piracy and terrorism; a population that is feeling the devastating effects of climate change, and an area that has deposits of minerals and other natural resources without which the world will not reach net zero. We cannot afford to ignore Somaliland’s plea for recognition any longer.

The Republic of Somaliland, a British colony until 1960 and a part of Somalia until 1991 — when Somalilanders made the brave choice to break away for the good of their country and their people, is ready to emerge onto the world stage. Unlike many of their neighbours in the region, Somaliland enjoys a healthy and thriving democracy modelled on our own. This year, we look forward to a peaceful and transparent Presidential election in November, following on the 2021 elections which excellently exemplified those characteristics. 

Somaliland is also a relative haven for education: with high literacy and education levels for both boys and girls, neither of which are a given in the region; as well as being home to a powerful supreme court – indeed, it was only the court’s intervention in the 2017 election which ensured a peaceful transfer of power, after an incredibly close result. 

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Perhaps thanks to these solid foundations and their fight for independence, Somaliland has not seen the instability and civil war which has rocked Somalia in the last fifteen years; and the danger of terrorist violence from the likes of Al-Shabab, while not zero, is far lower than elsewhere in the region. International recognition would, therefore, be a powerful symbol to neighbouring countries that freedom, education, and democracy bring with it many advantages.

Of course, international recognition must follow due processes, but that does not mean it shouldn’t start now. The Foreign Office’s stated position is that regional recognition must happen before we can do the same. Indeed, the UK has been at the forefront of encouraging this regional recognition: supporting the talks between Governments in Hargesia and Mogadishu and pushing for increased intra-African dialogues. This regional recognition has now started, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia, one of Somaliland’s biggest trading partners. The Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement is undoubtedly the first step on the road towards recognition of the largest unrecognised country in the world and also emphasises the stability and security of Somaliland as a trading partner and international ally. 

The UK, now that we have seen the required local recognition of Somaliland should not hesitate in doing the same. It would prove beyond doubt that Britain supports democracies and that democracies succeed.

There is already some good news for British-Somaliland relations. Indeed, in many ways, our actions are speaking louder than our words. Britain has been uniquely active in supporting Somaliland’s development of the key infrastructure needed to engage on a global scale. Berbera Port, which is predicted to facilitate 75% of Somaliland’s trade by 2035, has received millions of pounds of support from the UK to build that capacity and support jobs and prosperity across the region. This investment, alongside the now-completed, UK-funded Hargesia Bypass, is undoubtedly part of Ethiopia’s attraction to Somaliland and is exactly the work that the UK should be supporting. Alongside that, the UK is the only western country with a permanent diplomatic office in Hargesia and is the UN Penholder for Somalia and Somaliland, so we have unparalleled diplomatic potential.

However, as the UK continues its legacy of supporting democracies around the world, Somaliland needs more than just words and money. The opportunities given to us by global, post-Brexit Britain include being able to look further afield for the friends we need for the modern world, just as we are in Ukraine, and nowhere is more deserving of our friendship than Somaliland. 

This year marks a third of a century since Somalilanders staked their claim to independence. Somalilanders have therefore been fighting for international recognition for longer than they were ever unified with Somalia. The region has seen many similar bursts for freedom, and Somalilanders have watched as their neighbours, like Eritrea, have succeeded to the freedom and recognition that we have failed to support them in.

 

 

 

 

[Illyria]

4 hours ago, Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar said:

Secessionists Ilhaan Cumar maa gubeyso. They were even tagging far right figures on Twitter in order to make her look bad. Caqlixumaa secessionists. Naceybkee Soomaalida meel sare gaaro u qabaan marmar ka yaabaa.

Che, baliis remove this deliberately mistranslated clip. Don't give clicks this secessionist cuqdada heyso. "Somalian" kulahaa. Kas ugu dan leeyihiin.

This same clip from Universal TV isticmal.

 

Here is a transcript of what she said.

For those seeking an accurate and verbatim translation of what Congresswoman @Ilhan said, here it is: [The context is: she was addressing her Somali-American constituents, who were alarmed by Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed’s announcement of his intention to assist a region/province in Somalia in becoming a sovereign state. Additionally, he stated he will acquire land and sea l for his landlocked country through this province. Somalia, the African Union, the USA, the European Union, the UK, and the global community stand with Somalia, stating that dismembering Somalia and annexing its land is unacceptable] Here is what the Congresswoman said: ————————————————

“We Somalis are people who love each other. It is possible that some of us are rough with each other, but when the going gets tough, we are people who have each other’s backs. We are sisters and brothers, supporting each other, people who know they are Somalis and Muslims, coming to each other’s aid and aiding their brothers and sisters.

And the other day, when we heard that some Somalis, or those who say they are Somalis, entered an MoU with Ethiopia, many people called me and said, “Ilhan, you should talk to the US government; what is the US government going to do about this?”

My response was: the US government will do what we ask it to do. We should have this confidence in ourselves as Somalis. We live in this country. We are taxpayers in this country. This country is one where one of your daughters sits in Congress. While I am in Congress, no one will take Somalia’s sea. The United States will not back others to rob us. So, do not lose sleep over that, O Minnesotans. The lady you sent to Congress is on this, and she is as cognizant of this interest as you are.

I would like to tell President Hassan Sheikh that we are impressed with the great work you have done. You have made it known to those living in Somalia and other places that, in spite of the many challenges we face as Somalis, we are nonetheless competent people. People who believe in their country and will not allow it to be endangered.

Thus, I want to congratulate the Somalis in Minnesota and everywhere on how united you are. How you all stood by our president, because he needs our solidarity. Somalia belongs to all Somalis. Somalia is one. We are brothers and sisters, and our land will not be balkanized. Our lands were taken from us before, and God willing, we may one day seek them, but what we have now will not be balkanized. I thank you all for how you always welcome me and honor me; may the Lord honor you. Peace and blessings of God be with you.

 

https://twitter.com/AnalystSomalia/status/1752061355530571978?s=20

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Quote

 

EXCLUSIVE: Emmer calls on Ilhan Omar to resign for ‘appalling, Somalia-first’ speech

The video of Rep. Omar's alleged remarks was first circulated by Ambassador Rhoda J. Elmi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Somaliland.

 -

January 29, 2024

The event took place Saturday at the Hyatt Hotel in Minneapolis. (Twitter)

 

In a video widely circulated on social media, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is quoted as allegedly saying, “The U.S. government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do! They will do what we want and nothing else. They must follow our orders and that is how we will safeguard the interest of Somalia.”

The video, which shows Rep. Omar speaking in Somali, is accompanied with an English translation of her comments. Alpha News has not independently verified the accuracy of the translation.

Addressing a crowded room full of Somalis waving different Somali flags, Rep. Omar purportedly told the audience, “The woman you sent to Congress is working day and night to protect your interest. She knows your plight and that of Somalia. I am as concerned about Somalia as you guys are. Together we will protect the interests of Somalia.”

Regarding the video, Rep. Tom Emmer, the majority whip of the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement to Alpha News saying: “Ilhan Omar’s appalling, Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to the Minnesotans she was elected to serve and a direct violation of her oath of office. She should resign in disgrace.”

Emmer, a Republican, represents Minnesota’s Sixth Congressional District.

Throughout her speech, Rep. Omar supposedly made repeated references to an ongoing feud involving several east African countries including Somalia, Somaliland, Ethiopia, and Kenya.

Allegedly speaking about the United States’ ability to influence the multi-national dispute, the video’s translation shows Rep. Omar saying, “We live in the U.S., pay taxes in the U.S. and have a real voice. The U.S. is a country where one of your daughters is in Congress to represent your interest. For as long as I am in the U.S. Congress, Somalia will never be in danger, its waters will not be stolen by Ethiopia or others. ”

Additionally, the video’s translation quotes the congresswoman as allegedly saying, “Sleep in comfort, knowing I am here to protect the interests of Somalia from inside the U.S. system.”

The event took place Saturday at the Hyatt Hotel in Minneapolis.

Allegedly speaking about Somalis as a group, the video’s translation quotes Rep. Omar as saying, “We are an organized society, brothers and sisters, people of the same blood, people who know they are Somalians first, Muslims second, who protect one another.”

The video appears to show Rep. Omar praise the leadership of Somalia’s current president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, in his fight against other east African countries.

Other alleged quotes from Rep. Omar’s speech at the event include:

“We are people who will never allow someone else to steal our land.”

“Somalia is for Somalis only.”

The video of Rep. Omar’s alleged remarks was first circulated by Ambassador Rhoda J. Elmi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Somaliland. In a statement regarding the congresswoman’s speech, Ambassador Elmi said Rep. Omar’s “use of ethno-racist rhetoric didn’t escape attention and left many, with a deep sense of disappointment.”

Appearing to reject the accuracy of her translated remarks, Congresswoman Omar issued a statement saying the interpretation of her words is “not only slanted but completely off.” However, the majority of Rep. Omar’s statement on the subject discussed the multi-national feud in east Africa instead.

 

apparantly  Ilhaan is in trouble  she  should have remained neutral in this conflict now she has some backclassh the republicans are smelling blood

The Somaliland twitter soldiers have done her some damage now.

Bal may iska amuusto why pick sides between Somalia and Somaliland

Why did she treaten to take back  Somali   territories  i am also hearing the Ethio and Kenyan Ambassador to the US are not very happy about the statements she made. Mala waxay moodaysey inay meel tolku joogo uun u waramaysey. She is a congresswoman she should control her tongue..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Illyria]

With whom is she in trouble?

6 minutes ago, Xaaji Xunjuf said:

apparantly  Ilhaan is in trouble  she  should have remained neutral in this conflict now she has some backclassh the republicans are smelling blood

The Somaliland twitter soldiers have done her some damage now.

The majority of those on her case now are neo-Nazis and white supremacists. Well done for unwittingly joining the bandwagon.

6 minutes ago, Xaaji Xunjuf said:

Why did she treaten to take back  Somali   territories  i am also hearing the Ethio and Kenyan Ambassador to the US are not very happy about the statements she made. Mala waxay moodaysey inay meel tolku joogo uun u waramaysey. She is a congresswoman she should control her tongue..

Whom did she threaten, and what did she say in her threatening tone?