Sunday January 7, 2024
Hargeisa (HOL) - Somaliland's Defense Minister, Abdiqani Mohamud Aateeye, has resigned from his post in opposition to the Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement.
In a revealing interview with Horyaal TV, Aateeye articulated his concerns, stating, "Ethiopia does not only want the sea and the port, it is taking our land. Muse did not consult with his ministers; we heard that he signed an MoU with Ethiopia in the media like you did." He further emphasized the local resistance, adding, "Our people will not accept their land to be taken easily. I'm telling Abiye that our sea is not that easy."
His resignation follows a controversial decision by the president to grant Ethiopia 20 kilometres of Somaliland's sea territory. Aateeye cited past land losses to Ethiopia and the nation's adversarial relationship with Somalia as key factors in his opposition.
Aateeye raised concerns about the Lughaya area, earmarked for an Ethiopian base, currently under his community's control. He emphasized his commitment to ensuring peace between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a viewpoint not shared by the president. He also questioned the maritime lease's terms, suggesting Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed aims to own rather than rent the sea area.
The agreement has elicited mixed reactions in Somaliland. In the capital city of Awdal province in Somalia, Borama, residents have expressed support for the Federal Government's commitment to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. This sentiment emerges amidst protests in Somaliland's major towns, including Hargeysa and Borama, where demonstrators have chanted slogans like 'Our sea is not for sale' and sung the National Anthem.
While these demonstrations have ended peacefully, they highlight ongoing tensions regarding Somaliland's status. The region, declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, has maintained relative stability but lacks international recognition.
The pact has sparked varied responses in Somaliland, with protests both for and against it. Meanwhile, the Somali government has strongly condemned the agreement, deeming it a breach of Somalia's sovereignty.