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

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

" Muuse Biixi, Xasan Sheekh wuxuu ka saxeexay waxaan Madaxweyne hore uga sexeexin "  Buur madow who was very anti Muuse biiix and now he changed his tone interesting waraysii with boqor buurmadow

 

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Buur madow said that the  HAG  clan from dhuusamareeb stole all the dr clan mps back during the elections .

He also said that the awdalite clans their ugaas and some mps in the bunker from the awdal clan in xamar wanted to lease zeila and let then join their regions in the somali kilil join oromia. they signed an agreement with the ethiopians . And that the two samatar brothers were the only one that rejected it.

the ugaas is very pro ethiopia he said , and it is true i remember oodweyne said that  galbeedi wanted to use galla hordes to defeat Somaliland so there is an element of truth there.

buur madow said that the koonfurians dont respect the dr woqoyi refugees in xamar that they take them for granted.

he said i was always a somali unionist but i am rethinking my policy

he said i would have rejected the mou deal or should i reject only when a duriyad clan member sign something.

he also said that the xamar clan were the only that protested against the mou 

other somalis never protest koonfuur galbeed jubbaland puntland  never protested. against the mou 

He also said that Ethiopian troops if they come to somaliland there is no  difference with the ethiopian troops that are in somalia. so what makes this different that to is excellent point , if there is no hypocracy . Ethiopian troops can freeily roam inside Somalia but they cant come to hargeisa . So what makes one bad and one  a good thing. also a good point

He said hassan sheikh didnt honer the SL somalia talks agreement with the airspace and all the other agreeements and muuse biixi also signed deals with hassan sheikh and then backstabbed him and made a deal with abiye.

He said also muse signed a secret deal with hassan that he acknowledged that sl and somalia were two separate countries that united in 1960.

he also said he hates somali and their hypocracy he said if somalia ignores all the wrong doings and the double dealing it doing i will support ina biixi who i hate the most in the world , what  a statement never expected this from buurmadow. He said there is no Somalinimo. He said that fiqi wants an uprise in awdal and i see that as hostility and - i will support ina biix isaga ayaan garab taaganahay for now. He said that if koonfurians want unity they should approach Somaliland as one unit and not trying micro level subclan level and trying to attack Somaliland or trying to Divide Somaliland along clan lines.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Illyria]

1 hour ago, Xaaji Xunjuf said:

imikabaan ugu dhownahay Bal cidi wax na yeeli karta wa ayo ma ninka kaaaraha ugaandheeska ku jira

No need for anyone else to be involved, as we commissioned SSC-Khatumo to tame Bixiye, and keep him in his cage. GXJS will do the rest from the political angle, and reer Awdal shall hold their grounds.

1 hour ago, Xaaji Xunjuf said:

how could awdal state even work in a federal somalia its one region  one region cant be a federal state other wise hiiraan ba noqon laha

There is precedence with GalMudug, and the same applies to SSC-Khatumo, and Awdal.

37 minutes ago, Xaaji Xunjuf said:

 

Maangaab maangaab dhalay iga dheh!

 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

we shall see  sxb time wil tell indeed if u can defeat Somaliland or not 

[Che -Guevara]

 

“I told the PM of Ethiopia - stop this rhetoric of accessing to the sea, you have access to the sea, just come, let us negotiate. Let us establish technical teams to negotiate on how. But he didn’t want access to the sea, he wanted a land to annex, that is the ultimate aim he has, and that is what he did through this MoU. This is not acceptable. It will never happen, I’m telling you. This is a dream that (will) never become real.”

 

 

[Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar]

Muxuu saan ugu hadlaayaa. Accessing muxuu ula jeedaa Xasan Socdaal? Mistranslation miyaa? Xabashada can have port trades and all, like they have to Jabuuti or Kiikuuyoland ones, but accessing as controlling no way. Ereygaa access afkiisa haka ilaaliyo Xasan maadaama micno kala duwan leeyahay.

[Illyria]

Xamza is sharper, to the point, and more articulate than Xasan, after all, as the PM, he is the sole undertaker, and it is his responsibility to engage in, and discharge all matters related to the Executive branch.

This donkey warden is out of order. Some wise person needs to sit him down, tear up his passport to never travel, keep him away from mosques to never make stupid speeches, and ban him from the microphone to never speak rubbish.

[maakhiri1]

 

[maakhiri1]

Many people make mistake, Democratic Republic of the Congo is not landlocked 

[Tallaabo]

35 minutes ago, maakhiri1 said:

Many people make mistake, Democratic Republic of the Congo is not landlocked 

They use the massive river Congo to access the sea.

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

He is right u cant say i am opposed to colonial borders and at the same time say xuduuudihi somaliya lugu so xadgudbay ahhaa ama xuduudaha somaliyeed

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

10 hours ago, Miskiin-Macruuf-Aqiyaar said:

Muxuu saan ugu hadlaayaa. Accessing muxuu ula jeedaa Xasan Socdaal? Mistranslation miyaa? Xabashada can have port trades and all, like they have to Jabuuti or Kiikuuyoland ones, but accessing as controlling no way. Ereygaa access afkiisa haka ilaaliyo Xasan maadaama micno kala duwan leeyahay.

hassan isnt opposed to ethiopia having access to the  sea he is against somaliland granting ethiopia access to the sea. if he grants them that it is oke. that what he said earlier in the mosque to hadaad bad rabtan anaga nooo kaalayaa.

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

Ethiopia Pursues Principle of Shared, Mutual Dev’t With Its Neighbors : Ambassadors  

 830

  

Addis Ababa January 22/2024 (ENA) Ethiopia is working based on the principle of shared development and mutual benefits in the region, Ethiopia’s ambassadors in Kenya, Somalia and Djibouti remarked.

The latest agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland was conducted with the principle of "give and take" and shared development, the ambassadors told the Ethiopian News Agency.

Ethiopia's ambassador to Kenya, Bacha Debele, said that his country is making extra efforts to ensure sustainable peace and shared prosperity across the region and beyond.

In particular, he appreciated the practical work being done in creating infrastructure and trade ties with neighboring countries, and explained that any infrastructure or other joint development projects will be implemented based on the country's foreign policy that prioritizes neighboring countries.

The ambassador pointed out that Ethiopia has been carrying out cooperation with its neighbors based on the country’s foreign policy.

He further stated that the MoU signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland to obtain a sea port is based on mutual development and benefits and follows the principle of give and take.

This is where Ethiopia’s policy of collaborative development initiated, he said, adding that Ethiopia bases a lot of its diplomatic efforts on the shared development premise.

“ Developing together is the principal idea of our policy. Ethiopia's principle of shared development is one of the pillars of its diplomatic activities.

Different things can be taken as an example in this regard. We can cite the Lamu Port South Sudan – Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor that will bring the region together and ensure the regional cooperation. It will even cover the Western countries if a railway is built, starting from Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, then Uganda. It plays a fundamental role in the fight against poverty together and makes a great contribution,” he said.

 

Ethiopia's Ambassador to Somalia, Mukhtar Mohamed on his part said that Ethiopia is working with neighboring countries to support its desire to prosper together.

The ambassador mentioned that Ethiopia has been exerting efforts to make regional integration a reality and carrying out development works that benefit neighboring countries.

For instance, he said that the Galmudug city of Somalia has submitted a request to benefit from electricity service from Ethiopia and stated that the request has been viewed positively by the government of Ethiopia.

“The recent MoU signed with Somaliland is based on mutual benefit and the historical, natural, geographical and cultural ties between the peoples in the region. This connection is natural. It is not something we are talking about today. It is a fact that cannot be broken by political arguments or pressure from elites. Instead we must be able to build on this.”

The ambassador said such agreements would help to ensure mutual benefit, shared prosperity and development. It requires generosity, foresight and sincerity. By doing this, Ethiopia will not harm anyone, but it is a way of showing commitment to grow together.

 

Ethiopia's ambassador to Djibouti, Berhanu Tsegaye, said that the friendship between Ethiopia and Djibouti, which has been going on for more than 100 years, has been strengthened through mutual development and benefit.

He explained that the two countries are working more closely on the principle of mutual benefit in roads, railways, ports, water, electricity and other sectors.

The MoU signed recently between Ethiopia and Somaliland is based on this principle.

“We are working to ensure economic benefit of others by giving what we have to those who do not have it. For example, when we give potable water to Djibouti, Djibouti provides us with the things that we need. This in turn ensures the mutual benefits of the two which must be further fostered," the ambassador said.

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

by the way this hassan should do the interview in arabic  what kind of arab state speaks enlighs to arab journalist or does ulusow not know arabic , if he doesnt he should send hamza 

[Xaaji Xunjuf]

How Ethiopia's Red Sea deal could impact Israel, Egypt, and the UAE

 

Ali Bakir

22 January, 2024

Analysis: Ethiopia's potential transformation into a maritime power in the Red Sea will create new regional allies, but also enemies.

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On 1 January 2024, Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, signed a controversial agreement granting Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea.

Under the agreement, Somaliland agreed to lease 20 kilometres of its coastline to landlocked Ethiopia for 50 years in return for promises to recognise its independence.

This arrangement will provide Ethiopia unhindered access to the Red Sea, enable it to use the Berbera port for export-import activities, and build a naval military base.

Dubbed a 'historic' agreement by Ethiopia, this marks a strategic shift for Addis Ababa, which lost its direct sea access following Eritrea's declaration of independence in 1993. Post-separation, Ethiopia primarily relied on Eritrea's Assab Port but lost access during the conflict between the two nations from 1998 to 2000, prompting a shift to Djibouti's port to facilitate its trade.

The Somali government has denounced the deal as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somalia's strong objection included recalling its ambassador from Ethiopia while Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed a law nullifying the port deal.

"If Ethiopia were to become a major maritime force in the Red Sea, it could significantly increase its influence and importance to certain countries, such as the UAE, Israel, and the US"

Significant public and political opposition within Somalia has also emerged. Prominent figures have expressed serious concerns about the agreement's implications for Somalia's sovereignty and regional stability.

The Arab League, of which Somalia is a member, has supported Mogadishu against Ethiopia, accusing Addis Ababa of attempting to violate Somali sovereignty and labelling it as a violation of international law and a threat to Somalia's territorial integrity.

The European Union also issued a statement directed at Ethiopia, emphasising the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia. The US State Department issued a statement expressing its concern regarding the agreement and urging all stakeholders to engage in diplomatic dialogue.

Ethiopia has long had ambitions to gain independent access to the sea. In a statement to the Ethiopian parliament last October, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasised that sea access is an existential matter for his country.

He referenced a statement by a 19th-century Ethiopian military leader, Ras Alula, who declared that the Red Sea is Ethiopia's natural border, asserting that Addis Ababa will secure its sea access by any means necessary, including force. Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia have denounced the Ethiopian claims.

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The Emirati role

In response to the rising criticism against their agreement, Ethiopia and Somaliland recalled the fact that several countries signed agreements with the internationally unrecognised Somaliland, including developing its port, and no such concerns were raised at the time. The response cites the UAE without explicitly naming it.

The agreement is expected to strengthen the security, economic, and political partnership between Ethiopia and Somaliland, and insert Ethiopia as a powerful player in the Red Sea region dynamics. The agreement raises questions on a possible Emirati role given Abu Dhabi’s exceptional relation with Somaliland and its newly rising ties with Ethiopia.

The UAE has played a significant role in the development of the Port of Berbera in Somaliland, highlighting its strategic interest in the Horn of Africa. In May 2016, DP World, a Dubai-based maritime trade conglomerate, signed a $442 million agreement with the government of Somaliland to develop the Berbera Port as a regional trade hub. This project not only involves the operation of the port but also the establishment of a free zone as part of the development.

The agreement with Somaliland will provide Ethiopia unhindered access to the Red Sea, and enable it to use the Berbera port for export-import activities and build a a naval military base. [Getty]

The UAE also committed to building a military base next to the city’s airport and its seafront, which it was said at the time, would be used to fight the Houthis. In March 2018, Ethiopia acquired a 19% stake in the Berbera Port project.

The UAE's involvement in the Horn of Africa, particularly through DP World's initiatives, aligns with its strategic objectives to establish cooperative governments along the Red Sea corridor. This is crucial for the UAE's maritime security strategy and its investment ambitions in the region, particularly in the Ethiopian market.

The UAE's foray into Africa, including developments in Somaliland, was seen as a part of a wider rivalry among Middle Eastern powers, with the UAE seeking to expand its influence in contrast to other regional powers like Qatar and Turkey, who have great influence in Somalia. Although the UAE decided to halt the work in the military base in Berbera later, Abu Dhabi’s influence in Somaliland remained high.

"The UAE's involvement in the Horn of Africa aligns with its strategic objectives to establish cooperative governments along the Red Sea corridor"

Egypt's concerns

Egypt has articulated its stance on the Ethiopia-Somaliland sea access agreement, underscoring the need to respect Somalia's unity and territorial integrity. Egypt’s President Sisi asserted Cairo’s firm position to stand by Somalia against the agreement.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the necessity of fully honouring Somalia's sovereignty and its right to utilise its resources. This emphasis on Somalia's territorial integrity reflects Egypt's concern about potential regional instability that could arise from the agreement.

Egypt's position is shaped by its broader national security considerations comprising regional interests, notably the security of the Red Sea, its influence in the Horn of Africa, and its problematic relations with Ethiopia. This aligns with Egypt's longstanding interest in maintaining regional stability, essential for the security of the Suez Canal, a crucial maritime trade route and a primary source of foreign currency revenues for Cairo.

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Recent developments have seen Cairo apprehensive about the UAE's activities in the Horn of Africa, which Egypt perceives as potentially undercutting its regional interests. The UAE, a significant ally of Ethiopia and Somaliland, has supported Ethiopia in various matters, including its position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, a contentious issue with Egypt.

Additionally, Cairo harbours concerns that the UAE's Abraham Accords with Israel might undermine Egypt’s, political, economic, and strategic interests, particularly regarding plans to bypass the Suez Canal or reduce reliance on it.

The Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement could bolster Addis Ababa's position in the Red Sea and the Ethiopia-UAE-Israel trilateral axis, a development that Cairo may not view favourably and might actively work to counter it.

Israel has renewed its interest in Africa, including the Horn of Africa, driven by the region's growing economic and political importance. [Getty]

Israel's interests

The Horn of Africa's proximity to the Red Sea entrance is of strategic importance to Israel due to its significance for maritime routes, impacting Israel's security and trade. This is a concern for Israel, particularly because of Iran's influence and the presence of Iranian arms. Israel has historically cooperated militarily and in intelligence with certain regimes in the Horn of Africa.

For instance, Eritrea reportedly allowed Israel to open a naval military base on the island of Daklah in the Red Sea. However, Eritrea's later alignment with Iran, and ultimately with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, affected its relationship with Israel.

In recent years, Israel has renewed its interest in Africa, including the Horn of Africa, driven by the region's growing economic and political importance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visits to several African countries in 2016, including those in the Horn of Africa, underscored this renewed focus, aiming to foster cooperation in economic, political, and security realms.

"The Horn of Africa's proximity to the Red Sea entrance is of strategic importance to Israel due to its significance for maritime routes, impacting Israel's security and trade"

Israel's presence in this region was intended to establish various forms of cooperation with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This presence also aimed to oppose Iran, as well as to counter the growing influence of Turkey and Qatar in the Horn of Africa during the Gulf crisis from 2017 to 2021.

Israel’s war in Gaza in 2023 has fuelled regional tensions. Iran and its regional arms seized the opportunity to flex their muscles as part of their broader strategy to assert influence in the region with the pretext of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Last month, Yemen's Houthi militia warned of targeting all ships bound for Israel, irrespective of nationality. As a result, several ships en route to Israeli ports were targeted, prompting major shipping companies to reroute their vessels.

Houthi threats have compelled major companies to avoid the Suez Canal and the strategic Bab al-Mandab chokepoint. Instead, vessels are taking longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope to reach Europe and Asia. This rerouting increases transit times and costs, affecting both the shipping industry and the economies dependent on these trade routes. The heightened risk of disruption to global trade remains a concern as long as ships continue to be targeted.

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On December 18, 2023, the United States announced the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational security initiative to protect ships and uphold the principle of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

However, many countries declined to join the US initiative fearing that it could be seen as another US effort to support Israel rather than protect the freedom of navigation. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, two major regional countries did not announce their intent to join the US initiative. Countries such as Italy and Spain distanced themselves from the announced maritime force.

The regional dynamics suggest that if Ethiopia were to become a major maritime force in the Red Sea, it could significantly increase its influence and importance to certain countries, such as the UAE, Israel, and the US. Israel, in particular, could use this new situation to strengthen its influence and enhance its security presence in response to Iran's activities in the region.

"The Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement could bolster Addis Ababa's position in the Red Sea and the Ethiopia-UAE-Israel trilateral axis, a development that Cairo may not view favourably"

However, this move could also escalate tensions and lead to broader conflicts, as Ethiopia's neighbours-Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia - have serious concerns about Addis Ababa's territorial ambitions. These neighbours also have a favourable view of Turkey and Qatar compared to Israel in the region.

Furthermore, Ethiopia's transformation into a maritime power in the Red Sea contradicts Egypt's national security considerations and regional interests. This could result in Cairo aligning itself more closely with Turkey and Qatar in Somalia to counter the growing Ethiopian threat.

Ali Bakir is an Assistant Professor at Qatar University's Ibn Khaldon Center and a nonresident Senior Fellow with the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Washington-based Atlantic Council. 

Follow him on Twitter @alibakeer