MOGADISHU, Somalia: Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Ethiopia of refusing to recognize Somalia as a sovereign state, escalating tensions between the neighboring countries.
The criticism follows Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, to lease 20 kilometers of coast for 50 years. This deal would grant Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, coveted access to the sea.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, claims that Ethiopia will formally recognize its sovereignty in return for the lease.
However, Addis Ababa has yet to confirm this. President Mohamud condemned the agreement as a violation of international law, asserting that Somalia’s sovereignty must be respected before any such discussions can proceed.
International bodies, including the United States, European Union, African Union, and Arab League, have urged Ethiopia to respect Somalia’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Turkey is mediating indirect talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, with the next round scheduled for September 17 in Ankara.
