APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) The Somali government Tuesday dismissed a memorandum of understanding signed between Ethiopia and the self-declared region of Somaliland as “null and void” and recalled its ambassador in protest.
Following a cabinet meeting in Mogadishu, the Somali government declared the deal “unacceptable”, cabinet said in a statement.
“The Somali government recognizes Ethiopia’s actions as a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” read a statement issued at the end of the cabinet meeting.
“The Somali government, with the support of its people, is ready to defend, protect and preserve the sovereignty, dignity, territorial integrity, and social unity. In response to this matter, the Somali government recalls its ambassador to Ethiopia for urgent consultation.”
The action by the Somali government came a day after Ethiopia announced Monday signing a “historic” initial agreement with the self-declared republic of Somaliland that will allow landlocked Ethiopia to have access to the Red Sea.
Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed the “memorandum of understanding” with Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, who has been visiting Addis Ababa.
Some Somali politicians and activists perceive Abiy Ahmed’s actions as a violation of “the sovereignty of the Somali nation.” Abdirahman Abdishakur sees it as “disregard for the rules of the UN, AU & IGAD, which aim to protect the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of member states.”
MG/abj/APA