Sunday September 8, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) — A group of prominent Somali religious clerics strongly condemned Ethiopia's recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the breakaway Somaliland region, expressing their support for Somalia's growing relationship with Egypt.
During a Sunday meeting in Mogadishu, the clerics condemned what they described as Ethiopia's aggression in Somalia. They called for a unified stance to reject the agreement, emphasizing that it is an obligation to oppose such actions and prevent further encroachment.
"We cannot accept this violation of our country's sovereignty by Ethiopia," one cleric stated. "It is our religious duty to defend the independence and unity of Somalia."
The clerics urged Somali citizens to remain united in defense of their nation, calling for calm and urging against inciting societal divisions. They also appealed to the Somali government to create an environment that increases dialogue among citizens with differing viewpoints to strengthen national unity.The clerics praised Egypt's relationship with Somalia, noting that Egypt has a history of positive cooperation with Somalia. They welcomed Egypt's increasing engagement, particularly as tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia continue to escalate.
The diplomatic tension between Somalia and Ethiopia stems from Ethiopia's agreement to lease 20 kilometers of coastline from the breakaway Somaliland region in exchange for supporting its independence, a move that Mogadishu has condemned as illegal.
The clerics concluded by calling on Ethiopia to respect neighbouring countries' peaceful coexistence and preserve regional stability.
The ongoing dispute comes amid Egypt's closer ties with Somalia, a relationship that some analysts view as an alignment against Ethiopia's contentious policies in the Horn of Africa.