Arab League reiterates full solidarity with Somalia, rejection of Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU

CAIRO – 20 January 2024: Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Abul Gheit Saturday voiced full solidarity with the Somali state and supported its position regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region.

In a meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Cairo, during his official visit to Egypt, Abul Gheit reiterated complete rejection of the MoU, signed between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi early in January.

Under the MoU, Ethiopia would consider recognising the independence of Somaliland, while the unrecognized state will grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through a port lease.

Abul Gheit reaffirmed the Arab League’s rejection of the MoU’s outcomes, whether legal, political, commercial or military.

Abul Gheit and Mohamud discussed the diplomatic steps and means taken by Somalia at various Arab, African and international levels in this regard. Mohamud expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Arab League to support Somalia in this crisis.

Moreover, the meeting discussed the hoped-for Arab role to support Somalia at all levels to preserve its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

In 1991, Somaliland declared independence from Somalia, but it has not received recognition from any country. The recent port lease agreement, intended to benefit landlocked Ethiopia, has sparked anger in Somalia.

The tensions between the two nations have escalated, resulting in threats of war from Somalia to prevent the deal. In response, the African Union has called for restraint and meaningful dialogue.

Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Thursday that there is no room for mediation unless Ethiopia retracts its illegal MoU and acknowledges Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The proposed agreement entails the lease of approximately 20 km of coastal land surrounding the port of Berbera, located on the Gulf of Aden, to Ethiopia for military and commercial purposes. However, the deal is still pending finalization.