Somalia banks on diplomacy in solving conflict with Ethiopia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia may pick the diplomatic channels in solving outstanding issues with Ethiopia, following the latest decision by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to engage regional allies over the matter.

Under his administration, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been reaching out to international organizations and nations, reiterating the importance of solving the issue amicably without much antagonism.

The Somalia president has already reached out to international organisations including the European Union, the African Union, the United States, China and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

East Africa Community (EAC) and the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) are some of the organizations which have been reached to solve the standoff.

In a meeting with IGAD Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu on Monday, the authority assured Mohamud of its support as it walks towards achieving sustainable peace and prosperity.

“Somalia is a critical partner in our shared mission to promote peace, stability, and development in the Horn of Africa. We stand with Somalia as it navigates its path towards sustainable peace and prosperity, and we will continue to support the government’s efforts to build a resilient nation,” Gebeyehu said.

“Our commitment to fostering peaceful relations in the region requires a unified stance in supporting Somalia’s territorial integrity.”

On his part, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud maintained that the country shall work closely with IGAD to foster peace and stability within the Horn of Africa. Earlier this year, affirmed its position on the feud, insisting that Somaliland is the territory of Somalia.

“China respects Somalia's sovereignty and supports its rights in managing its maritime resources. We believe in collaborative development that benefits all,” The Chinese foreign ministry said.

In January, the OIC said, “Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Partnership and Cooperation between the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland on 1 January 2024, the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed rejection of any act violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.”

Somalia accuses Ethiopia of annexation plans following the agreement with Somaliland which gives it 20 kilometres of access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. Somalia now demands that Ethiopian troops working in ATMIS vacate completely by the end of the year.

GAROWE ONLINE