Friday May 24, 2024
FILE Somaliland's representative in Kenya, Ambassador Mohamed A. Mohamud
Nairobi (HOL) — Somaliland's representative in Kenya declared that the Sool region will remain part of Somaliland, dismissing any possibility of separation. He also highlighted a new agreement with Ethiopia, which the breakaway region believes will drive economic development.
In an interview with BBC Somali, Ambassador Mohamed A. Mohamud emphasized Somaliland's commitment to peace in the Sool region. He rejected the recognition of Somalia's president in the administration of SSC Khatumo, claiming that Lasanood and the surrounding areas will stay under Somaliland's jurisdiction.
Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali Firdhiye, the leader of the SSC-Khatumo administration, previously warned against potential military interference by Ethiopia and Somaliland in his territory.
After months of intense fighting, SCC-Khatumo Forces captured strategic military bases and towns in the Las Anod District and Sool region in August 2023 and have maintained control ever since.Mohamud outlined the economic benefits of the agreement with Ethiopia, describing it as a step toward African economic integration. He stated that Ethiopia and Somaliland will drive economic growth, citing Somaliland's strategic importance in regional trade.
Addressing concerns about the impact of a maritime security agreement between Somalia and Turkey on Somaliland's waters, Mohamud clarified that Turkey has not entered into any agreement with Somaliland. Therefore, any agreement between Ankara and Mogadishu will not affect Somaliland.
"Turkey can only come to Somaliland with Somaliland's permission. Without this permission, Turkey cannot access Somaliland by sea or land," Mohamud stated.
Earlier this week, Somaliland claimed that Ethiopia had upgraded its consular office in Hargeisa, Somaliland, to full embassy status. However, the Ethiopian government has yet to issue an official statement confirming the upgrade, despite the fact that Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde recently included Delil Kedir Bushra, Ethiopia's envoy to Hargeisa, on a list of newly appointed Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors, implying a formal diplomatic advancement.
The Somali government and it's partners have vehemently opposed the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia, calling it a violation of Somalia's sovereignty.
The Somaliland government insists on finalizing the contentious Ethiopia MoU despite international concerns, and amid reports that Ethiopia is considering scrapping the deal.