EU reaffirms Somalia's sovereignty amid Ethiopia onslaught

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The European Union (EU) has reaffirmed Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, following Ethiopia’s actions which have been widely condemned, with members of the international community demanding that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed withdraw agreement with Somaliland.

Abiy Ahmed, a one-time Nobel Peace Prize winner, insists on taking 20 kilometers of the Red Sea within Somalia, arguing that his actions are commercial rather than political. He says the agreement will expand the economic potential of the Horn of Africa.

But the EU ambassador to Somalia Karin Johansson, who held a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday, said the organization will stand with Somalia, noting that there is a need for respect of existing boundaries of nations.

"President HassanSMohamud held a productive meeting with the EU Ambassador to Somalia, Karin Johansson. Discussions focused on advancements in security, development, and Somalia's ongoing democratization process," state media reports.

"During the meeting, Ambassador Johansson reiterated the EU's profound respect for Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. Both sides acknowledged the significant measures taken thus far to tackle challenges and pledged to foster closer collaboration between Somalia and the EU."

The European Union is a major security and development stakeholder in Somalia, having invested in the ongoing peace initiatives, including funding the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The ATMIS team is instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has maintained that Ethiopia’s advances will greatly sabotage the fight against Al-Shabaab, who he says has taken advantage of the conflict to recruit more members. The militants are fighting to overthrow the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE