MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vehemently opposed Ethiopia's strategic maneuvers in the Red Sea, labeling Ethiopia's intentions as not merely seeking port access but aspiring for military dominance in the region.

 

This stance comes in the wake of a contentious agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which involves Ethiopia gaining access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's sovereignty, a move Somalia views as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity.

The agreement has set off a flurry of diplomatic and military posturing across the Horn of Africa. Somalia, alongside its allies, notably Egypt, perceives this deal as an expansionist move by Ethiopia, potentially destabilizing the region. Egypt's military support to Somalia, aimed at countering Ethiopian influence, underscores these concerns, marking a significant shift in regional power dynamics.

President Mohamud's remarks reflect broader fears about the strategic implications of Ethiopia's sea access deal, seen by critics as an attempt to alter the geopolitical landscape of a critical maritime route. This has led to increased military readiness and fears of escalation, highlighted by Egypt's readiness to deploy troops in Somalia post the African Union's peacekeeping mission's end.

The situation has been further complicated by Ethiopia's historical quest for sea access, lost after Eritrea's secession, and its recent defense and economic pacts, like the one with Turkey, signaling a broader regional realignment. These moves have not only alarmed Somalia but have also drawn international attention to the Horn of Africa, where nations are jockeying for influence amidst these shifting alliances.

Somalia's official response has included rallying domestic support against the deal, with large protests in Mogadishu, and seeking international condemnation of Ethiopia's actions. The international community, including China, has voiced support for Somalia's sovereignty, yet the unfolding events suggest a complex interplay of national interests and regional stability.

This situation not only underscores the volatile nature of territorial disputes in the Horn of Africa but also highlights how such agreements could reshape international maritime law and regional security arrangements in one of the world's pivotal strategic locations.