UK stands with Somalia in row with Ethiopia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The United Kingdom (UK) has joined other countries and the international community in defending Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, following what has been termed as "naked aggression" by Ethiopia which signed an agreement with Somaliland, a region within Somalia.

Ethiopia and Somaliland have defended the agreement which has been widely criticized, with the international community standing with Somalia, a country that is also battling with a host of internal affairs including but not limited to terrorism.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the United Kingdom insists that Somalia's territorial integrity and sovereignty ought to be respected by neighbours, adding that it looks forward to seeing an amicable solution between Mogadishu and Hergeisa.

"The UK is concerned by escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa," read the statement on Twitter, published long after the US defended Somalia. "We reaffirm our full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia."

"We urge restraint and dialogue to peacefully resolve issues," the UK added, noting that it will treat Somaliland as an entity within the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Interestingly, Somaliland was colonised by the British while Somalia was under Italians but the two sides agreed to form a union shortly after independence. However, the marriage broke three decades ago following the civil war in the north.

Since then, Somaliland has been running a parallel government with its own legislature, executive, judiciary, and central bank and does not depend on Mogadishu. But despite continued agitation for statehood, the region remains part of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE