Saturday February 17, 2024
Addis Ababa (HOL) - Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged African leaders to prevent actions that undermine peace and security emerging across the continent.
Speaking at the opening of the 37th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on Saturday, President Mohamud reiterated that Ethiopia's recent violation of Somalia's territorial integrity, particularly the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Somaliland, is unacceptable.
President Mohamud described this move as a violation of international and African laws. He called upon the African Union member countries to collaborate in creating effective strategies to address issues facing Africa.
According to the memorandum of understanding signed on January 1st, Ethiopia would consider recognizing Somaliland's independence in exchange for access to the Red Sea, partly through the port lease.
Somalia has vehemently opposed this agreement, declaring it null and void, and has recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia.
The U.S. special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, said the MOU threatened to undermine regional security further and had been weaponized by Al Shabaab militants.