Wednesday August 21, 2024
Addis Ababa (HOL) — Vice President of Ethiopia's ruling Prosperity Party (PP), Adan Farah Ibrahim, responded to the recent Somali President's remarks that Ethiopia is against Somalia's territorial integrity.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ibrahim highlighted the cultural ties between the two neighboring countries, noting that Ethiopia has long been a refuge for Somalis, especially after the collapse of the Somali government in 1991. He pointed out Ethiopia's efforts in restoring security and order in Somalia over the years, emphasizing the brotherhood shared by the two nations.
"These days, we have been shocked and surprised by the statements made by the President of Somalia. These statements do not reflect the reality of today and the past struggle of the people of the Somali region," Ibrahim wrote. He urged Somali leaders to focus on working for the benefit of the Somali people and to strengthen the relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Earlier this week, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed Somalia's stance that it will not negotiate with Ethiopia until Addis Ababa recognizes Somalia as an independent and sovereign state. He attributed the recent breakdown of negotiations in Ankara to Ethiopia's refusal to acknowledge Somalia's sovereignty.
The Somali president also criticized Ethiopia's aspirations to access the Red Sea through Somalia, stating, "Somalia, even without a government or civilization, has refused to let Ethiopia take land and reach the sea by force. This dream of seizing the sea will not come true. We have been tested in the past and were successful; they will not be."
Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed a memorandum with the breakaway region of Somaliland, enabling Ethiopia to gain access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognition of Somaliland and the building of a naval base. However, Somalia legally annulled the agreement and recalled its ambassador to Addis Ababa.