Thursday August 22, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has accused Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of attempting to spark conflict in the Horn of Africa to divert attention from his government's internal challenges.
During a briefing on Wednesday with department directors and senior advisors at the ministry's headquarters in Mogadishu, Minister Fiqi reaffirmed Somalia's firm stance against any threats to its unity and sovereignty, particularly those with expansionist motives. He warned that such actions could lead to widespread violence and instability across the region.
Minister Fiqi also addressed the Türkiye-mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, emphasizing that Somalia participated in the discussions with genuine intentions, motivated by its strong relationship with Türkiye. He thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for their significant efforts in promoting regional peace and security.
"I want to clarify that Somalia is only commercially open to mutually beneficial agreements with Ethiopia. We will not permit access to the sea on military or sovereign terms, nor will we allow any long-term or short-term military presence," Minister Fiqi stated. He stressed that any agreements with Ethiopia would be aligned with international laws, customs, and treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently reiterated Somalia's position, refusing to negotiate with Ethiopia until Addis Ababa formally recognizes Somalia as an independent and sovereign state. He attributed the recent collapse of negotiations in Ankara to Ethiopia's refusal to acknowledge Somalia's sovereignty.
Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed a memorandum with the breakaway region of Somaliland, seeking access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland and establishing a naval base. However, Somalia legally annulled the agreement and recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa, asserting its commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity.