Ethiopia’s naval ambitions in northern Somalia – A pretext for undermining Somali sovereignty: Editorial

[Deeq A.]

Mogadishu (Caasimada Online) – Ethiopia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the breakaway region of Somaliland to establish a naval base is a calculated maneuver aimed at destabilizing the region under the guise of bolstering maritime security. This move, championed by the leader of Somaliland, purports to address the threats posed by Somali piracy and Yemen’s Houthi militants in the Gulf of Aden. However, this rationale fails to hold water and appears more as an opportunistic exploitation of regional security concerns.

Firstly, it is essential to scrutinize the legality of this MoU. Somaliland, despite its self-declared independence, remains internationally recognized as a part of Somalia. Thus, any agreements entered into by Somaliland without the consent of the Federal Government of Somalia are inherently illegitimate. Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland in this capacity not only contravenes international law but also undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The Ethiopian naval base is presented as a strategic asset to combat piracy and militant activities. While these are legitimate security concerns, Ethiopia’s motivations warrant closer examination. Historically, Ethiopia has sought to expand its influence over the Horn of Africa, often at the expense of Somalia’s stability. The establishment of a naval base in Somaliland would effectively extend Ethiopian military reach into a critical maritime corridor, giving Addis Ababa a significant geopolitical advantage.

Moreover, the timing of this agreement is highly suspect. Somalia is on the cusp of securing a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a position that would significantly enhance its influence on international security matters, including maritime safety. By creating a narrative around piracy concerns, Ethiopia could be attempting to pre-emptively undermine Somalia’s bid for the UNSC seat, casting doubt on Somalia’s ability to manage its own security affairs.

It is also worth noting the role of external actors, particularly the United Kingdom, in this equation. The UK’s backing of Ethiopia’s naval aspirations can be interpreted as a strategic alignment to curb Somali influence in international forums. This support, coinciding with Somalia’s potential elevation to the UNSC, suggests a broader geopolitical strategy aimed at reconfiguring power dynamics in the region to favor certain interests.

Ethiopia’s pursuit of a naval base in Somaliland, under the pretext of addressing piracy and militant threats, appears to be a strategic ploy to assert regional dominance and disrupt Somalia’s ascent on the global stage. It is imperative that the international community recognizes the illegitimacy of the MoU and supports Somalia’s sovereignty and its rightful position within the UNSC. Ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Aden should be a collaborative effort led by the legitimate government of Somalia, rather than a unilateral endeavor driven by extraterritorial ambitions.

The main purpose of this is to create piracy concerns. Undoubtedly, the UK is supporting this initiative before Somalia secures a seat on the UNSC.

Furthermore, the narrative that a naval base in Somaliland is essential for combating piracy and militant activities is a gross oversimplification. While piracy remains a challenge, the international community, including Somalia, has made significant strides in mitigating this threat over the past decade. The introduction of a new naval base, particularly by a non-coastal state like Ethiopia, raises questions about the true intent behind such a move.

The notion that Ethiopia, which lost its coastline following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, is now seeking to establish a naval presence, speaks volumes about its geopolitical aspirations. Ethiopia’s ambition to exert control over the Gulf of Aden, a crucial maritime route, aligns with its broader strategy of regional dominance. By securing a naval foothold in Somaliland, Ethiopia not only seeks to project power but also to gain strategic leverage over its neighbors, including Somalia.

The timing of this development cannot be overlooked. Somalia is poised to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a position that would significantly bolster its influence on global security issues. Ethiopia’s move to establish a naval base in Somaliland appears to be a calculated effort to undermine Somalia’s emerging role on the international stage. By creating a narrative centered on piracy and maritime insecurity, Ethiopia aims to cast doubt on Somalia’s ability to manage its own security affairs, thereby weakening its bid for the UNSC seat.

It is also important to consider the role of external actors, particularly the United Kingdom, in this equation. The UK’s support for Ethiopia’s naval ambitions raises questions about its motives. Given the timing, it appears that the UK is aligning itself with Ethiopia to counterbalance Somalia’s potential influence on the UNSC. This strategic alignment suggests a broader geopolitical maneuver aimed at reconfiguring power dynamics in the region to favor certain interests over others.

Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The international community has a responsibility to recognize the illegitimacy of the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Any attempt to establish a naval base in Somaliland without the consent of the Federal Government of Somalia is a violation of international law and must be condemned.

Ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Aden is a legitimate concern, but it should be addressed through collaborative efforts that involve all relevant stakeholders, including Somalia. The establishment of a naval base by Ethiopia, a landlocked country, is not the solution. Instead, the focus should be on strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing the capabilities of existing maritime forces to address security challenges in the region.

Ethiopia’s pursuit of a naval base in Somaliland under the pretext of combating piracy and militant threats is a strategic ploy to assert regional dominance and disrupt Somalia’s ascent on the global stage. The international community must recognize the illegitimacy of the MoU and support Somalia’s sovereignty and its rightful position within the UNSC. Ensuring maritime security in the Gulf of Aden should be a collaborative effort led by the legitimate government of Somalia, rather than a unilateral endeavor driven by extraterritorial ambitions.

It is important  that the international community remains vigilant and does not fall for the pretext of security concerns used to justify unlawful actions. The focus should be on fostering genuine cooperation and supporting the legitimate government of Somalia in its efforts to maintain peace and security in the region. Ethiopia’s naval ambitions in Somaliland are a clear attempt to undermine Somali sovereignty and disrupt regional stability. This must be challenged and addressed with the seriousness it deserves.

Caasimada Online Editorial Team

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