Somalia to Ethiopia: No Sea Access Talks Until Sovereignty Acknowledged

MOGADISHU, Somalia - President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says Somalia will only enter into negotiations with Ethiopia over access to the sea when the Horn of Africa nation recognizes its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Talks between the two countries collapsed in Turkey despite efforts to bring them to the table. Somalia accuses Ethiopia of signing a controversial agreement with Somaliland, a region found within Somalia.

“We will not negotiate on any matter until Ethiopia acknowledges Somalia’s sovereignty and status as an independent neighboring country,” President Mohamud stated. His remarks followed the second round of Ankara talks, mediated by Türkiye, which did not produce an agreement between the two nations.

“We have concluded from the Ankara talks that Ethiopia is unwilling to accept Somalia’s sovereignty and independent status,” Mohamud added. “Until this is resolved, there will be no discussions on the seaport or any other issues, as this challenges international law,” the BBC reports.

The MoU signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland grants Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea and if implemented, Ethiopia would recognize the breakaway region as a sovereign state. The agreement angered Mogadishu.

After the conclusion of the second round of talks, Ethiopia expressed confidence that Turkey now understands its “legitimate interest” in securing dependable sea access. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie stated that Ethiopia’s sea access concerns “will be resolved peacefully” through regional cooperation, Addis Standard reports.

Somaliland, while questioning Turkey’s impartiality as a mediator, reiterated its commitment to implementing the agreement granting Ethiopia naval base access in return for recognition.

However, Somaliland also cautioned against any “infringement on its sovereign rights” and has established a task force to advance its international recognition efforts.

GAROWE ONLINE