11 April 2024
Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared on Wednesday that Somalia will not negotiate its sovereignty in a speech addressing the nation.
This comes amid heightened tensions with neighboring Ethiopia over a port access deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region.
President Mohamud condemned the agreement, calling it a “threat to Somalia’s sovereignty and state unity.”
He rejected negotiations that could compromise Somalia’s territorial integrity, stating, “We are not opposed to talks or negotiations. But we will not allow our land to be taken or our sovereignty to be negotiated.”
Somalia’s strong stance follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January 2024.
The deal grants Ethiopia access to a strategic port in Somaliland, a move seen by Somalia as a violation of its territorial claims.
Further escalating tensions, President Mohamud announced the expulsion of the Ethiopian ambassador and diplomats from Somalia. The Somali ambassador in Addis Ababa was also recalled to Mogadishu.
Somalia considers Somaliland a breakaway region, while Somaliland seeks international recognition as an independent state.
The port deal has strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, who previously cooperated on security issues.
An arbitration agreement signed by both parties remains in effect, but its current status is unclear.
The future of Somalia-Ethiopia relations remains uncertain. Somalia’s firm stance against negotiations and the expulsion of diplomatic personnel indicate a potential escalation. Whether dialogue can be reestablished or tensions will continue to rise is yet to be seen.
