MOGADISHU: Thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Thursday, protesting against the recent sea access agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. The protest, held at the Eng. Yariisow Soccer Stadium, saw participants marching through various streets of the city.
High-ranking government officials, including Interior Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, members of both houses of Somalia’s parliament, and Mogadishu’s mayor, Yusuf Hussein Jimaale, attended the rally. The gathering condemned the sea access deal, with protesters carrying placards declaring slogans such as “Somali belongs to Somalia” and “our seas are not for sale.”
Controversial Deal Between Ethiopia and Somaliland
Critics accuse Ethiopia of interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs and attempting to create divisions among the Somali people. The demonstrators called for international intervention to halt what they perceive as Ethiopia’s aggression.
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad), a regional organization in East Africa, has expressed “deep concern” over the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, emphasizing potential implications for regional stability.
Despite the strong sentiments expressed, the demonstration remained peaceful, with no reported incidents of violence. Somali security forces were deployed to maintain order and ensure the safety of the protesters.
