15 Feb 2014
Somaliland Parliament Rejects Red Sea Access Deal with Ethiopia, Citing Illegality and Threat to Unityl.
Lawmakers in Somaliland’s parliament have unanimously condemned and rejected the maritime access agreement with Ethiopia.
According to Anadule News Agency, they deem the deal “illegal” and accuse it of aiming to undermine the unity of Somaliland.
Concerns center around “conflicting statements” from both sides and the granted access to Ethiopia, including a permanent naval base and commercial maritime service.
Somalia also strongly objects to the agreement, calling it “illegitimate” and a violation of its sovereignty.
Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated since the deal’s signing on January 1st and Ethiopia defends its actions, asserting the agreement won’t harm any third parties.
Ethiopia lost access to Red Sea ports during the Eritrean War of Independence (1961-1991).
This separation from Eritrea left Ethiopia landlocked, prompting them to seek alternative maritime access
