Use transitional means to access sea, Egypt tells Ethiopia

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi speaks during a press conference in Cairo [File: Christophe Ena/Pool via AFP]

CAIRO - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi seized the opportunity during the meeting with Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Sunday to take a swipe at Ethiopia, noting Addis Ababa's retrogressive approach to seeking access to the sea by creating conflicts in the Horn of Africa.

According to the Egyptian president, Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed should use transitional means to access the Red Sea by robustly engaging Somalia and Ethiopia, instead of forcefully 'grabbing' Somalia’s territory against international laws.

Ethiopia, he warned, should use the transitional approach rather than trying to "control another country's territory." He emphasized Egypt's unwavering commitment to stand with Somalia and protect its sovereignty.

The Horn of Africa nation had signed a controversial agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which allows it to get 20 kilometres of the Red Sea for 50 years, in exchange for Somaliland's recognition as an independent state.

Both parties have defended the MoU despite retribution from members of the international community, who have urged Ethiopia to respect Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Ethiopia maintains that it is only 'leasing the land and we are not grabbing it'.

Speaking at a joint news conference in Cairo alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud, President el-Sissi stated, "We will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia or infringe upon its territory. No one should attempt to threaten Egypt's brothers, especially if they ask us to stand with them."

So controversial has been the agreement that Ethiopia has been put on notice, with Somalia threatening to go to war. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been on shuttle diplomacy, looking for support from members of the international community.

In response, Somali President Sheikh Mahmoud rejected the deal, citing it as a violation of international law. He stated, "We will not stand idly by and watch our sovereignty being compromised."

Egypt is also at loggerheads with Ethiopia over the ongoing construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam along the Blue Nile, questioning Addis Ababa's decision to fill the dam contrary to an existing agreement. The US has called for order in the Horn of Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE