KAMPALA: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Ethiopia and Somalia to engage in dialogue to resolve their dispute over Ethiopia’s recent maritime agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland. Tensions in the Horn of Africa heightened after Ethiopia, on January 1, entered into a deal with Somaliland, providing the landlocked country with crucial access to the sea.
In return for this maritime access, Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but lacks international recognition, expects formal acknowledgment from Ethiopia, although Addis Ababa has not confirmed this aspect of the agreement.
Speaking at a press conference during the G77 plus China summit in Uganda, Guterres emphasized the UN’s commitment to principles related to the unity, sovereignty, and territorial independence of countries, including Somalia. He urged the disputing parties to engage in dialogue, expressing hope that a diplomatic resolution could be achieved to overcome the current situation.
The United States, China, the European Union, African Union, and Arab League have also called for respect for Somali sovereignty, echoing international concern over the maritime pact.
Somalia Rejects Possibility of Mediation with Ethiopia
Somalia has rejected any possibility of mediation with Ethiopia unless the deal is annulled, pledging to use “all legal means” to oppose it. Mogadishu views the maritime agreement as an act of “aggression” by Ethiopia, while Ethiopia contends that no laws have been violated.
Under the agreement, Somaliland agreed to lease 20 kilometers (12 miles) of its coastline to Ethiopia for 50 years. Ethiopia aims to establish both a naval base and a commercial port along the leased coastal stretch.
Ethiopia and Somalia have a history of strained relations and territorial disputes, having fought two wars in the late 20th century. While Somalia criticizes the maritime pact as an encroachment on its sovereignty, Ethiopia emphasizes its need for maritime access after being cut off from the coast when Eritrea seceded in 1993.
