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

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

The only people that can stop this are Somaliland and Ethiopia

 

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

 

Ethiopia and #Somaliland expected to finalize agreement in coming months

 

following MoU Officials from the self-declared republic of Somaliland and the Ethiopian government are close to finalizing an agreement that could see Ethiopia establish a naval base along Somaliland's coastline and potentially recognize Somaliland's sovereignty, according to Dr. Essa Kayd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland. These discussions follow a memorandum of understanding signed between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi four months ago. Minister Kayd informed Deutsche Welle that negotiations have been ongoing, and technical committees have been appointed since the signing. However, he disclosed that the process slowed during Ramadan. He expressed confidence that the talks would conclude within the next two months. In addition to the potential naval base agreement, the possibility of Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland's sovereignty is also reportedly under discussion. Somaliland's Finance Minister, Saad Ali Shire, has stated that such recognition could provide Somaliland with a voice internationally and open opportunities for investment, trade, travel, and development. It would also potentially enable Somaliland to borrow from international financial institutions. If an agreement is reached, Ethiopia would lease a portion of Somaliland's 850-kilometer coastline to establish a naval base. Minister Kayd has confirmed that three potential areas have been identified but declined to disclose them until further discussions with Ethiopian counterparts conclude. The memorandum between Somaliland and Ethiopia has faced opposition from Somalia's Federal Government, which has accused Ethiopia of attempting to undermine Somalia's territorial integrity. The Group of Seven (G7) countries have also expressed concerns and encouraged dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia to resolve tensions.

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Somaliland-Ethiopia naval base agreement nears completion amid Mogadishu opposition

 

Wednesday May 01, 2024 - 16:09:09 in Latest News by Horn Observer Contributor

 

 

The proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) entails Ethiopia establishing a naval base along Somaliland's coastline. | PHOTO/File.

HARGEISA – Officials from Somaliland and Ethiopia are on the brink of finalizing an agreement that could mark a significant shift in regional dynamics, despite opposition from Mogadishu.

 

The proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) entails Ethiopia establishing a naval base along Somaliland’s coastline, potentially accompanied by recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty, as revealed by Dr. Essa Kayd, Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

 

Negotiations, initiated four months ago following a memorandum signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, have progressed steadily. Minister Kayd informed Deutsche Welle that while the process experienced a temporary slowdown during Ramadan, he anticipates its conclusion within the next two months.

 

Addressing concerns voiced by Somalia’s Federal Government, Dr. Issa expressed confidence in the agreement’s resilience against external pressures.

 

 

Somaliland president Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopian premier Abiy Ahmed signed MOU on January 1, 2024. | PHOTO/ File.

 

 

"President Hassan Sheikh and his team have been trying to get the MOU rejected… But I don’t think there is any chance that they will be able to do that,” he stated.

 

Central to the agreement’s rationale is the strategic significance of the Gulf of Aden, plagued by illegal activities ranging from piracy to wildlife trafficking.

 

Dr. Isa Kaid underscored the necessity of Ethiopia’s presence in combating these challenges and affirmed Somaliland’s support in facilitating such efforts.

 

The potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty by Ethiopia holds promise for economic growth and international engagement.

 

Finance Minister Saad Ali Shire emphasized the transformative impact such recognition could have, citing opportunities for investment, trade, and access to international financial institutions.

 

With regard to the naval base agreement, Minister Kaid disclosed that three potential locations along Somaliland’s 850-kilometer coastline have been identified for Ethiopia’s consideration.

 

However, specific details remain undisclosed pending further discussions between the two parties.

 

Opposition to the MOU has been voiced by Somalia’s Federal Government and echoed by the Group of Seven (G7) countries, who have urged dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia to address concerns regarding territorial integrity.

 

Despite these challenges, the imminent finalization of the Somaliland-Ethiopia naval base agreement signals a potential reshaping of regional alliances and underscores the complexities of geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

 

(Reporting by DW + Kaab TV) 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

 

[Arafaat]

 

Odaygan looma sheegin ina sualahaa la weydiin  

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

t 

Ethiopia and Somaliland officials meet each other in the border town Togwajaale

ina cagjar  ina kahin  Ethiopian  Federal Ministers etc 

[Arafaat]

It’s a group of water officials who were having their an annual meeting in Jigjiga and went on a field visit to Wajale. Hardly has any political relevance.  

 

[Che -Guevara]

 

[Arafaat]

The diplomatic game score so far. 

Ethiopia 1 - 2 Somalia

(1) Somalia might have thwarted the blatant land grap, 2) but for this it had to show and exhaust all its diplomatic cards, and 3) it gave much political leverage for Ethiopia to interfere with ease in own sovereignty.  

Ethiopia 3 - 0 Djibouti 

(1) Ethiopia sabotaged Djibouti’s peace and dialogue initiative between Somaliland and Somalia, 2) it has undermined Djibouti relationship with its western neighbour (Somaliland) leaving Djibouti to the full mercy of Ethiopia, and 3) Djibouti caved in to Ethiopia by renegotiating the agreement and giving reductions in the millions of fees it charges for the use of its port) 

Ethiopia 3 - 0 Somaliland 

(1) Somaliland shot in its own foot by seeking a diplomatic war with its only two neighbours, Somalia and Djibouti, with quite the political, economic impact without having anything tangible in return, 2) It dashed any hope of Somalilands resolving its status through dialogue with Somalia, 3) It will get practically for free any port, trade and military sea access without giving recongnition in return.   

Ethiopia 1 - 1 Kenya 

(Ethiopia gained compromises from Kenya the use of Lamu Port, Freezone area, perhaps even military base. While Kenya gained regional leverage in its mediation effort between Somalia, Ethiopia) 

Somaliland 0 - 0 Somalia

(Both disqualified as they scored in the own goals, and are back to square one. with even less leverage, less trust and exhausted all political and public credit and energy without much in return) 

 

[maakhiri1]

History is repeating itself

 

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

23 hours ago, Arafaat said:

It’s a group of water officials who were having their an annual meeting in Jigjiga and went on a field visit to Wajale. Hardly has any political relevance.  

 

i think there is more to it it even official  presidents are meeting and high level  ministeries

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

19 hours ago, Arafaat said:

The diplomatic game score so far. 

Ethiopia 1 - 2 Somalia

(1) Somalia might have thwarted the blatant land grap, 2) but for this it had to show and exhaust all its diplomatic cards, and 3) it gave much political leverage for Ethiopia to interfere with ease in own sovereignty.  

Ethiopia 3 - 0 Djibouti 

(1) Ethiopia sabotaged Djibouti’s peace and dialogue initiative between Somaliland and Somalia, 2) it has undermined Djibouti relationship with its western neighbour (Somaliland) leaving Djibouti to the full mercy of Ethiopia, and 3) Djibouti caved in to Ethiopia by renegotiating the agreement and giving reductions in the millions of fees it charges for the use of its port) 

Ethiopia 3 - 0 Somaliland 

(1) Somaliland shot in its own foot by seeking a diplomatic war with its only two neighbours, Somalia and Djibouti, with quite the political, economic impact without having anything tangible in return, 2) It dashed any hope of Somalilands resolving its status through dialogue with Somalia, 3) It will get practically for free any port, trade and military sea access without giving recongnition in return.   

Ethiopia 1 - 1 Kenya 

(Ethiopia gained compromises from Kenya the use of Lamu Port, Freezone area, perhaps even military base. While Kenya gained regional leverage in its mediation effort between Somalia, Ethiopia) 

Somaliland 0 - 0 Somalia

(Both disqualified as they scored in the own goals, and are back to square one. with even less leverage, less trust and exhausted all political and public credit and energy without much in return) 

 

Some valid points but SL didnt concede anything to Ethiopia the MOU was just a an MOU Its not legally binding how ever the Somaliland republic and the Federal Ethiopian republic have been behind close doors talking how to turn it into a new treaty and an agreement. Neither side have conceded an inch Somaliland didnt allow Ethiopia inside its land ,, Ethiopia didnt give recognition , the swap wil happen  as president bixii said when the agreement is signed by default SL is recognised by Ethiopia and the Ethiopian  will be allowed to  be on the sea.

 

I dont think t he kenyans will give the Ethiopians a lease for a military base inside their land

though port bussines yes

 

as for Somaliland ku xumaynin jabuuti and Somalia relations first it had no relations with Somalia at all maba jirto xididhiid SL ka dhexya iyaga iyo bunkerka,,    jabuuti we ddint do anything to them just becase SL is after its own interest it doesnt mean Jabuuti ba wax la yeeleyey Jabuuti marka ay interestkeeda raadsato SL may kala tashata oo may eegta siday SL u samayneyso that  part i dont agree with you

 

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

15 hours ago, maakhiri1 said:

History is repeating itself

 

 

is this guy justifying Afweyne  and his bandits 

[Arafaat]

4 hours ago, Xaaji Xunjuf said:

Some valid points but SL didnt concede anything to Ethiopia the MOU was just a an MOU Its not legally binding how ever the Somaliland republic and the Federal Ethiopian republic have been behind close doors talking how to turn it into a new treaty and an agreement. Neither side have conceded an inch Somaliland didnt allow Ethiopia inside its land ,, Ethiopia didnt give recognition , the swap wil happen  as president bixii said when the agreement is signed by default SL is recognised by Ethiopia and the Ethiopian  will be allowed to  be on the sea.

 

Valid point, so it’s Ethiopia 2 - 0 Somaliland.
 

Quote

as for Somaliland ku xumaynin jabuuti and Somalia relations first it had no relations with Somalia at all maba jirto xididhiid SL ka dhexya iyaga iyo bunkerka,,    jabuuti we ddint do anything to them just becase SL is after its own interest it doesnt mean Jabuuti ba wax la yeeleyey Jabuuti marka ay interestkeeda raadsato SL may kala tashata oo may eegta siday SL u samayneyso that  part i dont agree with you

That’s your personal view, which is interesting to know but irrelevant in this equation as it’s not about who is in the moral right or wrong, but I only scored the diplomatic relations between the countries and fact is that both the Djibouti Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Finance have stated in public media they felt Somaliland wronged Djibouti. Check their interviews, or read this publication writing that it was humiliating blow to Djibouti. 

Djibouti/Ethiopia : Ethiopian MoU sours Djibouti-Somaliland relations - 24/01/2024 - Africa Intelligence

WWW.AFRICAINTELLIGENCE.COM

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Addis Ababa's offer to recognise the secessionist region's independence in return for maritime access dealt a humiliating blow to Djibouti...

On Somalia, Somaliland re-engaged in the talks with Somalia (fact), it signed an agreement to resolve things through talks (fact), and then Somalia saw the Ethiopian deal as undermining the talks with Somaliland and its sovereignty (fact), and relations have  since deteriorated even worsen with Somalia even recognising SSC(fact).
So diplomatically Somaliland undermined its own effort and earlier intentions for engaging with Somalia.

But perhaps the political advantages that played a part in Somalilands calculations are rather domestic, than its international relations and position. And I did not cover the domestic political advantages, but rather the regional dynamics. 
 

 

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Again wrong Somaliland is after its own interest if Djibouti feels dissatisfied with sl having good relations with Ethiopia it’s on them , so why should sl care for Djibouti interest and their so called feelings when they don’t care for Somaliland interest . Djibouti has no higher moral ground to stand on . When it is dealing with Somaliland , what does Somaliland benefit from Djibouti other then Djibouti entertaining Somaliland adveseries such as the bunker.

 

As for the bunker, sl agreed to have talks and that door is still open if the bunker is ready to have meaningfull talks not signing -an agreement then when a new care taker takes over in the bunker all the previous agreements fly out of the window . That’s not an honest participant of the so called talks the bunker signed agreements with turkey and various other countries SL didn’t say to them this violates our sovereignty thus we feel bad and we wish not continue the talks , last but not least sl was honest to find a lasting solution for the talks and the contentious issue between sl and the bunker , but the bunker was just busy with stalling and continue the talks about talks and since there is no time frame for these so called talks they tried they can have their cookie and eat it to .’my oo my what were they wrong sl will continue to pursue its interest whether the bunker likes it or not , the talks also have no clear agenda the bunker and the koonfurians talk about re instating the cancerous union, where as sl wants to talk about how to separate officially from each other , so we need to agree on the agenda other wise it’s pointless and if there are no honest arbitrators such as when the state department was mediating between Bashir and john garange in Kenya back in 2005 , I don’t see how ina biixi would say lets Unite with the bunker he will be in breach with the sl constitution and he will lose his head if he returns in Hargeisa the same can be said about the leader of the bunker hassan ulusow he can’t say Somaliland way naga go oday he will not be warmly welcomed by his kin the koonfurians hell will break lose , so I don’t see how a middle ground can be reached  there bal hadaad Aidgu qaab ogtid. Bal ino sheeg. For somaliland and Ethiopia though. It’s still 0 0 neither team has scored neither did sl secured recognition from Ethiopia and Ethiopia didn’t get access to the sea by Somaliland  I think it’s more like one nill to Somaliland and sifir for the bunker since they played all their cards with Egypt eritrea and they’re our cry of the Ethiopians and the Somalilanders call it a bluff if sl and erhiopia go a head with the deal there is no stopping other then  out cry and more letters to Egypt arab league the United Nations and the AU.  Do u really think if sl allows Ethiopia in Somaliland  the United Nations will send blue helmets and fly ulusow to berbera and escort him to Hargeisa , or that the Saudis or the Egyptians will send troops, even the Turks will not go in open combat with Ethiopia since the Turks have the biggest investments in Ethiopia after china over 3 billion yearly  only the Chinese out do the Turks in Ethiopia.