Somalia Rejects Ethiopia's Plan for Naval Base in Breakaway Region of Somaliland

Somalia has strongly rejected Ethiopia's plan to establish a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland, branding the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland as an "aggression" and a violation of Somalia's sovereignty. The Somali government has appealed to the United Nations and African Union for urgent meetings to address the escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa .

In January 2024, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a deal granting Ethiopia access to naval and commercial ports along Somaliland's coast in exchange for recognition of Somaliland's independence. However, Somalia insists that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory, despite the region's effective autonomy since 1991. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Somalia would defend itself if Ethiopia proceeds with the deal, which he says could further destabilize the region.

Why this matters: The dispute over Ethiopia's naval base plan in Somaliland has heightened tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, two countries with a history of conflict over territory. The deal has also triggered discontent among neighbouring nations and raised concerns about its potential to boost recruitment efforts by the al-Shabaab militant group in Somalia.

To defuse the diplomatic row, Kenya, in consultation with Djibouti and the regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has proposed a maritime treaty to govern how landlocked states like Ethiopia can access ports on commercial terms while respecting Somalia's territorial integrity. The treaty aims to resolve the tensions peacefully and prevent further destabilization in the Horn of Africa.

The international community, including the United States, African Union, European Union, and Arab League, has called for Somalia's sovereignty to be respected. The UK has urged restraint and dialogue to peacefully resolve the escalating tensions. However, some British politicians have used the accord to press for the UK to recognize Somaliland's independence, which remains unrecognized globally despite the region's decades-long quest for formal statehood.

Somalia's state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Omar, said that before discussing port access, Ethiopia must annul its agreement with Somaliland. He emphasized that Somalia is willing to discuss proposals as long as they meet the country's interests, which are to safeguard its sovereignty, political independence, and unity.

Key Takeaways

• Somalia rejects Ethiopia's plan to establish naval base in Somaliland.
• Somalia appeals to UN and AU to address escalating tensions in Horn of Africa.
• Ethiopia-Somaliland deal grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for recognition.
• Kenya proposes maritime treaty to govern landlocked states' port access while respecting Somalia's sovereignty.
• Somalia says it's willing to discuss proposals that meet its interests in safeguarding sovereignty and unity.