APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) has urged Ethiopia and Somalia to de-escalate tension that has occurred after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland on 1 January 2024.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the council expressed deep concern over the ongoing tension between the two countries and its potential adverse impact on peace, security and stability of the region.
The agreement, involving a port deal, is said to grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea and establish a military base in Lughaya of Somaliland with reports suggesting it recognizes Somaliland’s independence.
Somalia deems it an “aggression,” recalling its ambassador to Addis Ababa. Diplomatic tensions led to Ethiopia’s ambassador also returning to Addis Ababa.
The two neighboring nations are urged to engage in meaningful dialogue towards finding a peaceful resolution of the matter, in the spirit of African solutions to African problems.
The council called on the two parties to adhere to and be guided by the core principles of the AU and international law in their bilateral and international relations.
It also called on the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia to exercise restraint, de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue towards finding a peaceful resolution of the matter, in the spirit of African solutions to African problems.
As Somalia pushes for the convening of the United Nations Security Council session, there is pressure on the Peace Security Council of the AU to provide guidance for the African 3+1 members of the UNSC and set the tone for a possible UNSC meeting.
MG/abj/APA