Islamic nations reject Ethiopia's deal with Somaliland

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland on the acquisition of 20 kilometers of the Red Sea for the establishment of a military base and port infringes Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has maintained, calling for immediate withdrawal of the deal.

The ministers termed the deal as 'illegal' as they called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia, a country struggling for stability, over 30 years after the ouster of military ruler Siad Barre, whose actions triggered the secession of Somaliland.

Under the slogan of "Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development", the ministers defended Somalia in the Gambia meeting, which brings together Islamic nations on matters of sustainable development.

The communique released after the meeting emphasized the importance of providing both material and technical assistance to strengthen Somalia's governmental institutions and address the challenges posed by drought on Somali food security.

Ethiopia is under pressure to drop the deal, but officials from Addis Ababa and Hargeisa insist that the project is in the process of being implemented for the "economic growth of the Horn of Africa". Somalia has already asked the international community to intervene.

The communiqué also endorsed Somalia's nomination of Ms. Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission for the period (2025-2028).

Somalia has accused Ethiopia of annexation plans, noting that it will not leave any tables unturned. Already, the country has reached out to Turkey, which it has already signed a defense agreement with for the protection of its territorial waters along the 3,333KM coastline.

GAROWE ONLINE