UN defends Somalia’s sovereignty

FILE PHOTO

NEW YORK - The United Nations has vehemently defended Somalia's territorial integrity while calling for an amicable settlement of the looming conflict between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, following a controversial agreement signed by Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi.

Ahmed, a former Nobel Peace Prize laureate, signed a deal with Somaliland that would give Ethiopia 20 kilometers of land along the Red Sea, and in return, recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland. The deal has irked Mogadishu, leading to numerous press pronouncements.

On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a phone call with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, emphasizing respect and appreciation of Somalia's territorial integrity. The UN boss called for calmness while emphasising on need to embrace dialogue.

"The Secretary-General spoke today with His Excellency, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, at his request. He took note of Somalia’s concern regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and “Somaliland” announced on 1 January," the UN said.

"He recalled that the Security Council has repeatedly affirmed its respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of Somalia. The Secretary-General hopes all parties will engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue and refrain from any actions that could further escalate the situation."

Somalia rejected the deal, accusing Ethiopia of meddling in her internal affairs contrary to various international laws. For the last week, protests have been witnessed in Somalia with locals blaming Ethiopia for triggering conflicts across the Horn of Africa.

Some groups have asked the Nobel Peace Prize committee to strip off Ahmed, who won the coveted trophy in 2019. Somaliland seceded from Somalia in 1991 following civil war in the north but has never been recognized worldwide as a sovereign country, and remains a territory in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE