Wednesday September 11, 2024
Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi at the 162nd Arab League Council session in Cairo. Credit/ MOFA Somalia
Cairo (HOL) — Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi reaffirmed his country's commitment to defending its sovereignty at the 162nd Arab League Council session in Cairo. His remarks, coming during the third meeting of the Arab Ministerial Working Group, strongly condemned Ethiopia's agreement with the self-declared Somaliland region, which Mogadishu views as a violation of its territorial integrity. The session brought together key Arab League ministers, who, in a rare show of unanimous support, backed Somalia's rejection of the deal, amplifying regional tensions over Ethiopia's growing influence in the Horn of Africa.
During the meeting, Arab League ministers, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Egypt, and Mauritania, voiced their support for Somalia's territorial unity. The ministers issued a joint statement rejecting the legal, political, and military consequences of the Ethiopia-Somaliland memorandum, reiterating that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and that any resolution must come through internal Somali dialogue. The Arab League stated that its support for Somalia was rooted in the principles of both the Arab League Charter and the United Nations, making clear that external pressures on the country would not be tolerated. The ministers reiterated their full support for Somalia's sovereignty and stability and recognized its strategic importance for regional peace.
The Arab League's collective support came as Egypt expanded its military footprint in Somalia, raising tensions with Ethiopia. Egypt's deployment of 1,000 soldiers in Mogadishu and plans for joint military exercises with Somali forces signals a deepening of military cooperation between the two nations. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed concern over Egypt's growing influence in Somalia, warning that Ethiopia would fiercely defend its sovereignty against foreign threats.
Despite these warnings, Ethiopia has defied past Arab League's calls to annul the agreement, viewing the League's involvement as interference in its internal affairs.
Ethiopia's controversial agreement with Somaliland to lease 20 kilometres of coastline in exchange for diplomatic support for Somaliland's independence is at the crux of the dispute. Somalia has condemned the deal, calling it an attack on its sovereignty. The agreement, which gives Ethiopia potential access to the Red Sea, is seen as a strategic move by Ethiopia to secure a seaport after being landlocked for decades. Ethiopia's ambitions for the Red Sea have further strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, with Somalia threatening to expel Ethiopian troops stationed under the African Union mission.
Djibouti, a neighbouring country and Arab League member that relies heavily on its port economy, has attempted to defuse tensions by offering Ethiopia "100% access" to one of its ports. Djibouti's foreign minister suggested that this would provide Ethiopia with an alternative to the Somaliland deal, aiming to ease the geopolitical tensions that threaten regional stability. However, Ethiopia remains focused on securing a direct route to the Red Sea through Somaliland.
Somalia's dispute with Somaliland is occurring against the backdrop of arguably a much larger conflict between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The dam, built on the Blue Nile, is seen by Ethiopia as vital for its economic development, while Egypt views it as an existential threat to its water security. Ethiopia's refusal to sign a legally binding agreement on the dam's operation has led Egypt to increase pressure through its military cooperation with Somalia, a strategic move that could force Ethiopia into negotiations.
In previous Arab League sessions, Somalia has consistently sought regional backing in its dispute with Ethiopia over the status of Somaliland. During these meetings, the Arab League has stated its unwavering support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning any agreements that undermine the unity of the Somali state. Past resolutions, such as the one following the emergency session in January 2024 following the announcement of the MoU, have condemned Ethiopia's maritime agreement with Somaliland as a violation of international law. These gatherings have been integral in solidifying regional opposition to Ethiopia's maneuvers.
The 162nd Arab League Council session in Cairo convenes with high-level representatives from member states, discussing critical regional issues, including Somalia’s sovereignty dispute with Ethiopia over Somaliland./ MOFA Somalia