Somalia demands Ethiopia’s withdrawal of a controversial agreement with Somaliland as a precondition for negotiations, citing the necessity of respecting its territorial integrity. Despite Kenya and Uganda offering mediation, Somalia remains firm in its stance, indicating that progress is unattainable until the agreement is nullified. Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan emphasizes the importance of international respect for sovereignty amidst ongoing tensions.
The Federal Republic of Somalia asserts that any negotiations with Ethiopia can only occur following the withdrawal of a contentious agreement with Somaliland. Somalia emphasizes the importance of territorial integrity and national sovereignty, insisting this precondition must be met before engaging in talks. Despite offers from Kenya and Uganda to mediate the ongoing dispute, Somalia firmly maintains that it will not participate until the agreement is abrogated.
Since January 2024, relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been strained. Ambassador Ilyas Ali Hassan of Somalia, speaking from Tanzania, has underlined that without nullifying the January 1, 2024, Memorandum of Understanding, the prospect for advancement in dialogue remains bleak. He articulated that international partners should acknowledge and uphold the independence of countries without encroaching upon their sovereign rights.
With Kenya recently assuming the chairmanship of the East African Community (EAC), President William Ruto signaled intentions to open mediation avenues in collaboration with Uganda. Somalia supports initiatives that aim to foster peace and stability in the Horn of Africa yet asserts that previous mediation attempts have faltered due to Ethiopia’s perceived insincerity. The stance of Somalia remains steadfast, emphasizing a commitment to peaceful engagement rooted in respect for its sovereignty and regional stability.
During the EAC summit, the Somali leadership reiterated its dedication to dialogue that respects its constitutional integrity. Prior mediation efforts have been criticized as ineffective, prompting Somalia to seek stronger assurances from Ethiopia regarding its commitment to sovereignty and territorial rights.
Somalia’s position is clear; it is ready for dialogue, provided that respect and recognition of its territorial sovereignty are prioritized. This diplomatic stance is crucial for restoring trust and ensuring genuine engagements between the two nations in the pursuit of lasting peace in the region.
The conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia centers around the controversial agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as a violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Since the beginning of 2024, diplomatic tensions have escalated, hindering any productive discussions. Somalia’s insistence on the agreement’s annulment reflects deep-rooted issues concerning regional dominance and national identity. The ongoing mediation efforts by neighboring countries Kenya and Uganda highlight the complexities involved in resolving this conflict and the need for mutual recognition of sovereign rights.
In conclusion, Somalia’s call for the withdrawal of the controversial agreement reflects its firm stance on safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The commitment to peaceful dialogue, conditioned on Ethiopia’s respect for Somalia’s rights, underscores the challenges of regional diplomacy. As mediation efforts by Kenya and Uganda unfold, the future of Ethiopia-Somalia relations remains uncertain, hinging on Ethiopia’s willingness to engage in meaningful negotiations that honor Somalia’s sovereign demands.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
