Ethiopia's army chief meets Somaliland military boss

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Ethiopia National Defence Forces (ENDF) Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Berhanu Jula held a meeting with Somaliland army chief Major General Nur Ismail Tani, in what comes moments after both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding..

Last week, Ethiopia managed to convince Somaliland to give 20 kilometers of land, which will be used for the establishment of a Naval Base, in what has triggered tensions in the Horn of Africa. In return, Somaliland is set to get recognition from Ethiopia.

For three decades, Somaliland which broke away from Somalia has been fighting for international recognition but the United Nations Security Council maintains it is part of Somalia. The region, however, has its legislature, executive, and judiciary.

According to Addis Standard, a delegation led by Major General Nuh Ismail Thani, was received by senior army officers when he arrived at the Ministry of Defense.

The visit came in the backdrop of “a historic” Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which was signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland on Monday 01 January 2024, and which has threatened traditional relations in the Horn of Africa.

While details of the meeting remain scanty, Ethiopia maintains it is ready to activate a military base in Somaliland, despite resistance by Somalia, which has rejected the deal. Somaliland is still part of Somalia and many countries have supported the assertion.

The conflict saw the United States and the United Kingdom criticize Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for the deal, noting that they will continue recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The government of Somalia signed legislation banning the agreement.

GAROWE ONLINE