Somalia: Ethiopia's MoU with Somaliland is disruptive, US says

The United States of America has yet again condemned the recent MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland, insisting that the agreement, if implemented, will severely erode gains made in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

Ethiopia is one of the major security stakeholders in Somalia, having deployed over 4,500 Ethiopia National Defence Forces (ENDF) to Somalia, who are assisting in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The Ethiopian troops are credited for the milestones made in the struggle.

Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State on African Affairs, insisted that Somalia's territorial integrity and sovereignty should be jealously guarded, adding that there is a need for a collaborative approach to stabilize Somalia instead of creating divisions of discord.

"The United States shares the view of the African Union, IGAD secretariat, and other international organizations, as well as the majority of African partners on the continent, that Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity need to be respected," she said.

"We share a concern that this proposed memorandum of understanding could be very disruptive to our shared struggle, which includes Ethiopian investment over the years against al-Shabaab and its negative impact on the people of Somalia. And we support conversations between the peoples of Somalia and Somaliland about their shared future."

Al-Shabaab militants have been on the receiving end for the last 16 months after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud assumed power, with the first phase of operations leaving over 3,000 militants dead in central Somalia. The second phase is set to begin in Jubaland and Southwest states.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia has started a drawdown of troops and there is fear if Somalia enters into war with Ethiopia, most gains made in the fight against Al-Shabaab will be significantly eroded, giving the militants more room to recruit and train members.

Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland which if implemented, would see the country get 20 kilometers of Red Sea for the establishment of a Naval Base and port. In return, Ethiopia pledged to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state despite being part of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE