Ethiopia-Somaliland deal sparks concern among major world powers

The foreign ministers of the world’s leading economies have expressed concern regarding the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January 2024.

In a joint statement, the G7 urged Ethiopia and Somalia to “maintain open channels of dialogue to prevent further escalation.” Their meeting in Capri, Italy, focused on “addressing global challenges and fostering partnerships.”

Somalia’s government, however, has rejected dialogue with Ethiopia until Addis Ababa “revokes” the MOU with Somaliland. A statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the G7 statement but insisted it would oppose any dialogue until Ethiopia rescinds the agreement.

“Dialogue with Ethiopia remains unattainable until it revokes the illegal memorandum of understanding with Somaliland and demonstrates full respect for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and the principle of non-interference,” the statement reads.

Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed an MOU with Somaliland, a self-declared state internationally recognized as part of Somalia. The agreement reportedly aims to establish an Ethiopian naval base on the Red Sea coast in Somaliland. Somalia vehemently opposes the deal, arguing that Somaliland lacks the authority to negotiate such agreements. Additionally, the deal allegedly includes Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland’s independence, a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.

Despite international calls to respect Somalia’s territorial integrity, Ethiopia has yet to withdraw from the agreement. Further complicating the situation, Ethiopia hosted a delegation from Somalia’s Puntland region earlier this month for trade discussions, bypassing the Somali federal government’s authority. In response, Somalia closed Ethiopian consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa and expelled its Ethiopian ambassador.

Ethiopia’s actions, perceived as attempts to undermine Somali sovereignty and potentially fragment the nation, risk triggering a renewed regional conflict with unpredictable consequences. The potential ramifications of such a conflict could be far-reaching and destabilizing.