Abdirahman Irro is set to review the controversial Sea Access MoU with Ethiopia upon taking office in December. The agreement, which offers Ethiopia access to the Red Sea for recognition of Somaliland, faces opposition from Somalia, accusing Ethiopia of annexation. Irro supports the MoU but has yet to examine it in detail, signaling a potential shift in Somaliland’s diplomatic landscape amid rising tensions and calls for international support from Somalia.
Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Irro, has announced plans to review the contentious Sea Access Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia when he assumes office as the new leader of Somaliland on December 13th. The agreement, which offers Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty, has been met with fierce opposition from Somalia, which claims it threatens their territorial integrity. Despite the lack of public details regarding the MoU, Irro expressed his commitment to analyze it thoroughly for the benefit of Somaliland.
The MoU has ignited significant strife in the Horn of Africa, with Somalia alleging that Ethiopia’s actions amount to annexation efforts. This anxiety has escalated to military tensions, with Somalia expelling Ethiopian diplomats, accusing them of inappropriate conduct as representatives. Meanwhile, Ethiopia has referred to the agreement as a transformative economic initiative, yet they remain reticent regarding its specifics.
With Irro’s upcoming leadership, significant changes may occur concerning this agreement. He has indicated his full support for the MoU, viewing it as a vital step toward securing Somaliland’s long-aspired international recognition. In preliminary discussions with outgoing President Muse Bihi, Irro indicated that the review would be one of his top agendas.
As regional dynamics evolve, Somalia continues to seek international backing to counter Ethiopia’s perceived overreach, drawing support from nations such as Egypt and Eritrea. While Turkey has attempted to mediate the conflict, Somalia insists on the withdrawal of the agreement as a prerequisite for further dialogue. The review process initiated by Irro may reshape Somaliland’s international relations and stance in relation to both Ethiopia and Somalia.
The Sea Access MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia has been a subject of intense debate and controversy since its inception nearly a year ago. The agreement grants Ethiopia access to a portion of the Red Sea—20 kilometers—while simultaneously recognizing Somaliland’s declared independence, despite its remaining claim under the Federal Republic of Somalia. This arrangement has raised concerns in Somalia over potential territorial violations, inciting fears of aggressive actions from Ethiopia and prompting retaliatory measures such as the expulsion of Ethiopian diplomats from Mogadishu. Irro’s upcoming governance transition marks a key moment in addressing these geopolitical tensions and re-evaluating Somaliland’s international aspirations.
In summary, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi’s upcoming leadership represents a pivotal moment for the future of the Sea Access MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia. Irro’s intention to scrutinize this agreement, alongside ongoing tensions with Somalia, could lead to significant shifts in political alignment and regional dynamics. The international community remains watchful of these developments as they unfold, particularly regarding the implications for Somaliland’s quest for recognition and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
