Arab League throws its weight behind Somalia in row with Ethiopia

CAIRO, Egypt - The Arab League of Nations has supported Somalia in a row with Ethiopia, following a controversial deal that was signed earlier this month, pitting Addis Ababa and Hargeisa, which if implemented, would see Ethiopia getting part of the Red Sea.

In a statement, the Arab League maintained that it supports the efforts of the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia to resort to the International Court of Justice, to condemn this measure as a blatant aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Further, the organization said it completely rejects any attempt to benefit from the aforementioned “Memorandum of Understanding,” which the Somali state considered null, void, and unacceptable, aiming to create a new geopolitical reality in the Gulf of Aden and off the Somali coast and the Red Sea, representing a threat to Arab national security and navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden

Also, the League emphasized that this negative development indicates that the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is destabilizing security and stability in the region, and threatening regional peace and security. The League joins several countries which have defended Somalia's territorial integrity.

During the meeting, the United Arab Emirates also endorsed Somalia in a tussle with Ethiopia, with the country saying it supports Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State, also highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to promote stability and security in the Horn of Africa, as well as for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of exploring ways to coordinate with IGAD and the African Union to ensure stability in the Horn of Africa.

Elsewhere, Ethiopia has categorically rejected the Arab League statement. It is an attempt to interfere with the internal affairs and sovereignty of Ethiopia, Mesganu Arga, the minister of state said. Ethiopia enjoys excellent bilateral relations with many of the Arab states but the League is serving the interests of few, he added.

GAROWE ONLINE