Hassan Sheikh signs law nullifying Ethiopia's deal with Somaliland

Mogadishu (GO) - Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has signed a law nullifying a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which has triggered outrage and acrimony in the Horn of Africa, besides creating disturbance and diplomatic tiff in the region.

The deal which was signed last week, if actualized, would see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of Red Sea inside Somalia in return of recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. Ethiopia is expected to train Naval teams in the area.

But on Saturday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed the law barring Ethiopia from taking the land, hailing lawmakers for supporting the move. Speaker Sheikh Madobe was present during the signing.

"This evening,I signed the law nullifying the illegal Memorandum of Understanding between the government of Ethiopia and Somaliland," read the statement from the president, which was posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.

"With the support of our lawmakers and our people, this law is an illustration of our commitment to safeguard our unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as per international law," added Hassan Sheikh, who has been consistent about Somalia nationalism.

Several countries including the United States and the United Kingdom have rejected the deal, while calling for dialogue beteeen Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. The European Union , Arab League of nations and the African Union have also disowned the deal.

The breakaway region of Somaliland has been running a parallel government with own legislature, executive, judiciary and central bank, and has been pushing for international recognition in vain. Mogadishu and Hargeisa held talks in Djibouti last week before the controversial deal.

Hassan Sheikh believes that Ethiopia's persistence could also trigger the resurgence of Al-shabaab militants across the country. Al-shabaab on their part have condemned Ethiopia's actions and vowed to protect the country.

GaroweOnline.