Ethiopia’s illegal MoU ignites diplomatic rift and sparks dispute in UNSC

[Deeq A.]

In a recent and controversial move, Ethiopia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a breakaway northern region of Somalia, prompting the Somali government to urgently request a meeting with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 2nd. This request, however, was met with a refusal from this month’s UNSC President, Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière of France, raising questions about potential political alignments and motivations.

The refusal to hold a meeting on this critical issue has sparked concerns about whether there is a possible alignment between the French Government and Ethiopia. This suspicion is partly rooted in the historical context: back in 2019, Ethiopia and France entered into a naval deal during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Addis Ababa.  

The recent actions of Ethiopia, seen as an infringement upon Somalia’s territorial integrity, have been deemed a clear violation of the United Nations Charter. The MoU with the northern Somali region, which is not recognized by the central government of Somalia, is perceived as a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity.

Somalia’s plea for an urgent UNSC meeting underscores the seriousness of the situation and its potential implications for regional stability. The international community is closely watching the developments, especially given the strategic significance of the Horn of Africa region. 

The Ethiopian appeal to France for support is particularly significant, considering the recent refusal by the UNSC President, Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière of France, to hold a meeting requested by Somalia on this matter. This refusal had already raised suspicions about potential French alignment with Ethiopian interests, especially in light of the 2019 naval deal between Ethiopia and France.

The Ethiopian official’s statement and the request for French support in actualizing the MoU with Somaliland is a matter of concern, potentially deepening the rift with the EU and Somalia. It also indicates Ethiopia’s determination to proceed with its plans in Somaliland, despite the growing international backlash and the complex geopolitical implications.

At the heart of the matter is the question of international law and the respect for sovereign boundaries. The Somali government, along with its supporters, argue that the actions of Ethiopia, potentially backed by French interests, undermine these fundamental principles. 

As the situation continues to unfold, the role of the UNSC and its member states in upholding international law and addressing such conflicts remains under scrutiny. The refusal by Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière to convene a meeting has not only heightened tensions but also raised more profound questions about the dynamics within the UNSC and the influence of bilateral agreements on multilateral diplomacy.

The international community awaits further developments and responses, particularly from Ambassador de Rivière and the French government, to understand the full implications of this incident on regional stability and international relations.

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