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President of Egypt Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has vowed to back Somalia in the wake of a major dispute over maritime access between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
Somalia expressed resentment and criticism after Ethiopia struck a deal on Monday to utilize one of Somaliland’s seaports.
The deal was denounced by Somalia, which views Somaliland as a part of its territory, as an act of “aggression” and a breach of its sovereignty.
Somalia reaches out to #Egypt & #Qatar to galvanise Arab League support following Ethiopia’s decision to illegally annex Somali territory on the #RedSea coast.#Somalia calls on the global community “to exert pressure on #Ethiopia to return to the confines of interational laws.” pic.twitter.com/wAkfUp92WS
— Abdinor Dahir (@Abdinordahir) January 2, 2024
Mogadishu promises to oppose it by all legal means.
The Prime Minister stated, “This agreement, signed without any legal basis, defies the rules of the UN, AU, and IGAD. Somaliland is part of Somalia under the Somali constitution.”
Mogadishu demanded that international organizations compel Ethiopia to give up its plans to access the Red Sea, and it promptly summoned its envoy to Addis Ababa for consultation.
Security and stability
Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi promised that “Egypt will maintain a firm position alongside Somalia and support its security and stability” during a phone conversation with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Speaking on behalf of Mr. Sissi, Ahmed Famy stated that the two presidents had also talked about “regional developments” and bilateral ties.
According to the Somali presidency, President Mohamud also discussed bilateral and regional connections of mutual interest over the phone with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad.
The “unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” of Somalia must be respected, the European Union said in criticism of the pact.
“This is essential for the peace and stability of the Horn of Africa region,” the EU said in a statement.
