What impact will Ethiopia joining the East African Community have on Somalia?

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (PP Comment) — Ethiopia is reportedly to join the East African Community. The East African Community Protocol on Co-operation in Defence Affairs will grant Ethiopia an opportunity to use Somalia’s coasts for naval purposes. “The  Armed Forces of the Partner States shall as mutually agreed from time to time: (a) use each other’s military airfield, seaports and land-based facilities for visits, training, exercises, refuelling, navigation and for other acceptable military purposes…” reads article 16 of the Protocol.

The East African Community Protocol on Co-operation in Defence Affairs will grant Ethiopia an opportunity to use Somalia’s coasts for naval purposes.

This will have a knock-down effect on the illegal maritime Memorandum of Understanding that the Prime Minister of Ethiopia signed with the President of Somaliland Administration in January 2024.

In 2024 Somalia became a member of the East African Community.  For Ethiopia to join the EAC a full commitment to abiding by the Constitution of the EAC should manifest itself in an unequivocal affirmation of respecting the territorial integrity and the political unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The East African Community Protocol on Co-operation in Defence Affairs:

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