AU calls for de-escalation of tension between Somalia and Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA - The African Union has called for de-escalation of conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia, insisting that dialogue will unravel the current impasse which threatens peace and stability within the region, following the signing of a controversial deal over the Red Sea.

In a statement issued by the AU Peace and Security Council on Wednesday, the union asked the two countries to "exercise restraint, de-escalate and engage in meaningful dialogue” following the 1192nd meeting by the PSC held on Wednesday.

While addressing the Arab League of Nations, Prime Minister Hamsa Abdi Barre accused Ethiopia of having a conspiracy to "control the entrances to the Red Sea, threatening global trade and navigation.” He called on Arab countries “to unite and stand with Somalia in confronting this aggressive plan.”

Ethiopia signed an MoU with Somaliland over the control of parts of the Red Sea, and in return, it pledged to recognize the breakaway region as a sovereign country. Somalia insists that the region remains part of its territorial integrity.

AU’s Peace and Security Council urged “external actors to abide by the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the two AU Member States” while it encouraged Ethiopia and Somalia “to refrain from further actions and pronouncements that could negatively impact the strong bonds of good neighborliness, friendship, and solidarity existing between them.”

The Council said it “unequivocally reaffirmed its strong commitment and support for preserving the unity, territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all Member States”, including those of Ethiopia and Somalia, Addis Standard reports.

Furthermore, it requested the Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat “to expeditiously deploy” the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria, to foster dialogue between the two countries and provide regular updates to the council

On Wednesday, Somalia blocked an Ethiopian Airlines plane from landing in Hargeisa, the regional administrative capital of Somaliland, arguing that it was not scheduled. The incident further exposed growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

GAROWE ONLINE