Irro: I shall review Sea Access MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia

HARGEISA, Somalia - The controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland could be reviewed once Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, alias Irro, takes over, almost a year after it was penned down. However, its details have yet to be made public for review.

The ambitious deal has sparked chaos in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia accusing Ethiopia of annexation plans, adding that implementation would lead to a serious offensive including military interventions. Ethiopia has often remained silent over the details.

Once implemented, the agreement would see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, even though it remains a territory of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

However, the recent administration and regime change in Somaliland would see the agreement subjected to intense scrutiny even though Irro would want it implemented for the benefit of the breakaway region of Somaliland.

According to reports from Africa Confidential, Irro expressed unwavering support for the understanding, describing it as a critical step toward Somaliland's decades-long quest for international recognition.

Irro, however, admitted he had yet to examine the agreement in detail, promising to do so upon taking office. In a recent meeting with outgoing President Muse Bihi, Irro discussed the contentious deal, signaling his intent to prioritize it during the early days of his administration.

He is set to take over on December 13th before getting access to the details of the agreement. Ethiopia has for a number of occasions expressed intentions to implement the agreement terming it a 'revolutionary economic changer'.

The agreement has seen Somalia expel Ethiopia diplomat Ali Mohamed Adan, accusing him of engaging in activities incompatible with his diplomatic role. A number of counselors have also been expelled from Somalia..

Somali Ambassador to Tanzania Ilyas Ali Hassan reiterated Mogadishu's stance this week, declaring the agreement "a reckless violation of Somalia's territorial integrity." Backed by allies like Egypt and Eritrea, Somalia has rallied international support to pressure Ethiopia into abandoning the pact.

Efforts by Turkey to mediate the conflict have not borne fruits but Somalia insists Ethiopia must withdraw the agreement before any discussion. Irro is taking over from Muse Bihi Abdi who had been in charge from 2017 before losing November 2024 elections.

GAROWE ONLINE