Hassan Sheikh: Ethiopia is pursuing annexation of Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Ethiopia could be facing tough moments in coming days over escalating diplomatic rift with Somalia, following mounting pressure over its recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with breakaway region of Somaliland.

The Court signed the controversial agreement with Somaliland, leading to outrage from Somalia, which still controls the region. Somaliland gave away 20 kilometers of Red Sea to Ethiopia in hope that it will be recognised by Ethiopia as a sovereign nation.

At the African Union meeting in Ethiopia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Ethiopia of annexation, arguing that Addis Ababa is keen to unlawfully infringe on its territorial integrity and sovereignty contrary to acceptable international standards.

In his speech, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somalia is “threatened by annexation of part of it” by the signing of the MoU. He appealed to the African Union to take a “clear stance” on the matter, noting the importance of integration in the region.

Ethiopia and Somaliland defended the MoU signed on Jan 1 which will lease 20km of sea to Ethiopia in return for recognition according to Somaliland Officials. Ethiopia previously denied it plans to annex parts of Somalia, despite pressure to withdraw the agreement..

Early this week, Hassan Sheikh had already tasked the United Nations to also take a stand over the controversy. A number of Somalis have expressed their disgust with the decision by Ethiopia to transact businesses with Somaliland..

Later on today, the Federal Republic of Somalia condemned the Ethiopian government’s attempt to block the Somali President Hassan Sheikh's delegation from the 2024 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

"Such actions violate diplomatic norms and the traditions of the AU," the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement, adding that Somalia urges the AU to consider a reevaluation of its headquarters’ location in response to Ethiopia’s erratic behavior.

"An independent investigation into this incident is demanded," the ministry added without giving much details into the altercation.

Although Hassan Sheikh has has shared several platforms with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, he is yet to hold formal meeting with him. The matter has been identified by the US as a potential threat to peaceful coexistence of the Horn of Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE