The United Nations Security Council has announced that it will convene to address the escalating tensions surrounding a recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihe Abdi signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Addis Ababa a month ago, sparking a diplomatic dispute.
Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its territory, has intensified efforts to assert its diplomatic authority following the agreement.
Last week, Somalia formally requested the Security Council to hold a meeting to discuss Ethiopia’s alleged violation of the United Nations Charter through its agreement with Somaliland.
Responding to Somalia’s request, the current President of the Security Council, France, has called for a meeting under the African Peace and Security Agenda to address the Ethiopia-Somalia issue.
Today, the Security Council will deliberate on the matter behind closed doors.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations, along with the Horn of Africa envoy, Hana Serwe Tete, will provide insights into the current situation in Ethiopia and Somalia during the Security Council meeting.
The meeting was prompted by Somalia’s urgent request to address the memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized Ethiopia’s legitimate claim to utilize the Red Sea and expressed a desire for peaceful resolution, aiming to avoid animosity and division.
President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud of Somalia stated that while Somalia does not object to Ethiopia having a port, it should not come at the expense of another sovereign territory.
He expressed optimism about resolving the issue through negotiations for the mutual benefit of all parties.
President Muse Bihi of self-autonomous Somaliland defended the agreement with Ethiopia, asserting that it does not infringe upon any country’s sovereignty.
He clarified that Ethiopia’s commercial activities would be confined to the Berbera port. Moreover, President Bihi announced Somaliland’s agreement to allow Ethiopia to bolster its navy and to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation.
The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, highlighting the need for diplomatic dialogue and cooperation to navigate regional challenges effectively.
