Landlocked Ethiopia’s bid to gain access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera has created a predictable diplomatic storm.
Splash reported a week ago that Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s prime minister, had signed a memorandum of understanding with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland to lease 20 km around the Red Sea port of Berbera.
Somaliland would in return get a share of state-owned Ethiopian Airlines as well as gaining recognition from Ethiopia that it is an independent nation.
Over the weekend however Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud signed a law nullifying the agreement.
“This law is an illustration of our commitment to safeguard our unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as per international law,” Mohamud stated in a post on social media.
Somaliland, in the Horn of Africa, is bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east. Since 1991, the territory has been governed by democratically elected governments. Currently, it is internationally recognised by just one entity, Taiwan.
I should declare an interest; as a little boy I lived in Mogadishu and loved the place and the people.
Having said that, picking fights with Ethiopia is a bad habit for Somalia – it never does any good.
The two Somali nations have been apart for longer than they were together. I wonder if part of the problem is that Somali is a poetic language which temps its speakers into fiery speeches and idealism?
Whilst I agree it’s not a great time to have this happen, but Ethiopia has started this by laying claim to someone else’s land (by threatening to take things by force if necessary which is a huge violation). Also, from a political standpoint, it’s not a good look and would embolden others to do the same.
Our of curiosity, when were you in Mogadishu? Was it pre-civil war?
Thank you. Yes. Pre-civil war… 1959-1961. My father was the British Council representative in Mogadisu before and after independence. Diplomatic relations were broken off with Britain (very politely) over the Ogaden issue not long after that.
Do you have any information about what you mentioned, “threatening to take things by force …” if at all it’s unhealthy. But, from the history of east African countries, they would like to well come a foreign country than it’s neighbor. Lease has a well defined terms, what’s the cause behind this agreement?
I should declare an interest; as a little boy I lived in Mogadishu and I loved the place and the people.
Having said that, picking fights with Ethiopia is a bad habit for Somalia – it has never done any good.
The two Somali nations have been apart for longer than they were together. I wonder if part of the problem is that Somali is not a language for “making sausages” in (literally, not a problem for a people who are resolutely Muslim, but in the virtual meaning intended by Bismarck, maybe it is?) Somali is a poetic language which perhaps
temps its speakers into high principles, fiery speeches and idealism?
I respectfully suggest that this may not be the top priority for the Government of Somalia?
Been selfish about a piece of land that dosnt mean anything won’t get you anything by not helping Ethiopia in these times , countries could rather help one another to go ahead and they could build an harbour near to Somali where Somali could load onto ships as well
I am replying to Edwin Rudman who is saying “a piece of land doesn’t mean anything”. A piece of land means a lot to every country and it means a lot to Somalia. The British had already given a big portion of our land to Ethiopia and Kenya . We will not accept one meter of our land to be given to Ethiopia. We will get back the “Ogaden region “ which was given to Ethiopia by the British without our will. We shed our blood for our land in 1977 and Insha Allah we will get it back. Abbi Ahmed is dreaming, the Amhara community is now waging war on Ethiopia. Abbi Ahmed’s leadership is in crisis and he has no friends.
“ Somalia belongs to Somali “
If you pick a fight with Ethiopia it will overrun Mogadishu in a week
May be Going To War is the better option NOW!
They tried that in 2006 and they lost the fight to Islamic courts Militia. Now Somalia is different with good trained military forces and growing economy along with that Somali heroism.
Who told you that the whole strip of land belong to you from Mogadisho ! That land was given to Somalilandas and not necessarily from Mogadisho. Tribe name does not necessarily mean one nation i. e Mogadisho Somalia. Somaliland, Putland etc have their rights in where they reside.
Somalia can help Ethiopi to access to port, but not this way 1an agreement with out Somalia government 2 building a navy force,who can let you to come up with a navy force to your castle land 3 aquring land Who can sell a land to you 4choosing where the castle is close to Ethiopia border 6, 50 years after 2 years 100 years 6, miltery base, Air force base, navya base 7, colaparting with somalia historical enemy’s directly or indirectly such like UK, U.S, UAE it was a dangers game forget 50 years or 100 years by 2 years Ethiopian could have took that land like it is own for Somalian should wake up this fault is not Ethiopia fault it is somalia fault they should built a navy,strong military, strong air power After that they should discuss how to help landlocked Ethiopia
You can borrow your wife or family to a stranger ok land and is precious sorry Ethiopia dictionary don’t know the word borrow we already see Ethiopian inside are country didn’t grown up with confidence if they hold something they don’t own for few minutes they confiscated this the character of Ethiopia guys
You are absolutely right!
if somalia is so jealous, why don’t they then offer the use of a harbour to Ethiopia, for a buck?
Hey in California there’s 60000 homeless leaving in the streets so why you talking about the little boy man isn’t the subject the boo if we about poverty’s Ethiopia i don’t want get in more details ok come back on the subject ok yes Ethiopia can take land buy force like the super power (Israel , America , uk etc)
With its faults (like all others are perfect), Ethiopia deserves some break and support for what it has been and is to Africa, it is the pride of Africa for students of history. That deal should be applauded by all well wishers of Africa. Check out who is noisiest about the deal.
Is Somalia the only country with a sea? Djibouti, Eritrea ,Sudan are also close to Ethiopia, Shouldn’t they also give them a share? Why is Somalia the only one responsible for “thanking” Ethiopia as you said. What has Ethiopia helped us with? Ethiopia isn’t an ally of Somalia , They should go to their closer allies. We are not obliged to give land. It is ours, Not Theirs.
Somalia is a beautiful country but unfortunately there’s gready politicians all they think is about their interests.
Somalia is one not two no matters what a gready politicians say or do, it will remain one strong country.
If this move can bring some improvement to Ethopia with out any harm to Somali land or Somalua , it should be appreciated.
These are the same words Jews were saying to “Abdilhamid II” of the Ottoman empire!
Sorry we always neglect the PAST!
Their’s definitely harm to Somalia. What if Ethiopia eventually claims sovereignty to that piece of land leased to them. I am sure that if Ethiopia snatches that land nobody will come to Somalia’s rescue after all, Why should we risk that? Ethiopia should look elsewhere after all we aren’t the only neighbours with sea. We aren’t obliged to give land. Britain has already harmed us by giving out large amounts of land that belongs to Somalia to Ethiopia and Kenya. We cannot risk it
Ethiopia before they think somalia sea they have to return back Ogaden region first
Puntland and Somaliland are independent of the “madness” in Mogadishu.They have been for more than a decade now.So what is the fuss all about–EGO?
Somalia is jealous, they know with this agreement 🤝 Ethiopia will help somaliland to develop
I prefer unity of east Africa. We have history of war ,and fight over the border created by colonists. Even fighting with in somalies brotheren is continued. Confilict after conflict is a menue prepared for Africans by colonialist. Let us wakup and think of unity. Bleadshed in Ethiopia is the politics of ethinicity, and creating border between states, and so many bad games. Both Ethiopian and Somali young generation deserve peace, which they did not get for decades. We fight each other, killed and died. Who is going to benefit from this. Let us forget the border conflict and unite economically, and grow together. Who will be harmed from peace and co existence and development. If we live in peace, and grow together, not only Ogaden, you can entertain the whole Ethiopia. Do not forget we are the same people, and brothers. Let our religion do not mix with politics. Religion is heavenly, and politics is earthly. Do not mix them up. Let every body follow the religion they want to follow, but unit economically. Let us think and respond in a new way. A new way that is different from past experience. We need everlasting peace through a new movement for economical grouth that benefit us all.
To Musa,
For sure history is subject you never heard or read. Somali have never been defeated by any foreign country let alone Ethiopia!!!!
the only thing that unites Somali’s is foreign enemy!! try us.
The Somaliland people who elect their Presidents and MPs directly ,decided in May 1991 to restore their statehood which
their political leaders gave it away in July 1960.Hence they have been running their country for the last 32 years in a democratic system of Government following programmes of development in peace. Therefore it is up to Somalilanders
to decide what to do with their territorial land, sea and air.
With recognition from who? Just one country. They should try to fight for sovereignty after all they still use our passport to travel. Somalia is quite generous, If it was another country nonsense like Somaliland wouldn’t be tolerated. It’s hightime Somalia took military action against Somaliland for what they have been doing
With recognition from who? Just one country. They should try to fight for sovereignty after all they still use our passport to travel. Somalia is quite generous, If it was another country nonsense like Somaliland wouldn’t be tolerated. It’s hightime Somalia took military action against Somaliland for what they have been doing
Ethiopia’s expansionism ideology has been documented as an example of bad policies that led to disastrous consequences. One illustrative example would be the invasion of Eritrea 🇪🇷 by Ethiopian forces in 1970, which led to the independence war that led Eriteria to stand up for its rights to self-determination. Once again, history repeated itself when Ethiopia tried to invade Somalia 🇸🇴 in 1977, which again resulted in the defeat of the Ethiopian expansionist force and forced them to retrieve the jungle.
Every country on earth including Somalia 🇸🇴 has the right to defend its territorial integrity and national sovereignty against aggression perpetrated by invading foreign forces.
I do not doubt in my mind Somalis from all works of backgrounds would be united to defend their national sovereignty and territory from any foreign aggression.
People that have Somali roots are going crazy this January! We should keep a great record of it! which I fully admire in a normal manner. You stood firm against your brothers! But brothers don’t go crazy! relying on facts and solid evidence, not just emotions! Indeed, Somaliland has a historical evidence to nationhood, and Ethiopia’s actions were guided by international law and national interests. It’s important to acknowledge our war historical-events. Ethiopia has never initiated war on Somalia, while Somalia has made attempts in the past. And we all know where we end! You run we follow and end up in Kismayo! I belive war is behind us! Opportunity is ahead of us!
Please thalk or comment nice things,the world is huge filling empty or there is a big space for work,living,making a new discovery place plus you don’t live forever. Don’t waste your time by showing bad words,comments, bad plans.be smart to live together. Look your neighbors they are poor they don’t have a way out ,they don’t have future to survive because of 123 million population. There is no big deal.give and take like jbouti .you have to be smart.no body take your lands.westerns like all the time in east Africa. Wake up guys.to unite.