APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, Tuesday issued a statement, rejecting what it calls foreign interference over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with neighbouring Ethiopia.
The deal gives Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, a move opposed by Somalia and other countries in the region.
Somaliland’s latest reaction comes after Egypt said if invited it will back Somalia that characterised the recent port deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia as a direct violation of its sovereignty.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi recently declared that his country, “will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia or jeopardise its security.”
Egypt invited Somali President Hassan Sheik to Cairo for talks on a “coordinated response” to the developments in the region.
Statements made at the talks sounded belligerent against the deal.
Somaliland, with whom Ethiopia entered into an MoU agreement, does not seem to appreciate Egypt’s position.
In a statement released on Monday opposing what it called “foreign interference,” Somaliland said, “In light of the recent developments, we would like to reiterate Somaliland’s unwavering commitment to resolving regional matters through dialogue and cooperation. Nevertheless, given the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia, we want to reaffirm our firm opposition to any external interference.”
While acknowledging diplomatic engagements, Somaliland urged parties with an interest in developments in the region “to focus on promoting regional stability and constructive partnerships,” a stance that appears to differ from Egypt’s objectives.
State actors, such as the United States, the UK, and the United Nations, urged Ethiopia and Somalia to resolve their differences over the port deal.
“We believe that fostering cooperation will significantly improve the overall stability of the region and pave the way for a more prosperous future, thereby benefiting the well-being of our interconnected communities,” stated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland, as it refers to itself.
Somalia considers Somaliland as its northern region, but the enclave has existed as a de facto state for more than thirty years.
MG/as/APA