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Somaliland elders in Lughaya oppose Ethiopian naval base
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    Saturday March 2, 2024

     

    Hargeisa (HOL) - Traditional elders in the Lughaya area have vehemently opposed the proposal for an Ethiopian naval base along their coastal region.

    The controversy stems from a recent agreement between the self-declared independent region of Somaliland and Ethiopia, allowing the latter access to the sea via Somaliland's coastline. The deal has escalated tensions within Somaliland and intensified regional and international concerns regarding the Horn of Africa's stability. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has yet to receive international recognition.

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    In a community meeting held in western Somaliland, elders unanimously opposed Ethiopia's intentions, reflecting a broader sentiment that the military base would compromise Somaliland's sovereignty and do not align with its wider interests.

    "A significant portion of Lughaya was allocated for the military base without our consent," stated a spokesperson for the elders, underscoring the community's resentment towards external military influence and the lack of local consultation.

    The deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland signed at the beginning of the year, has also provoked Somalia's ire, leading to a defence pact with Turkey to deter Ethiopian access to the sea through Somaliland. The defence pact has raised the stakes in the region, with Somalia viewing the agreement as a direct threat to its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

    Somaliland's internal division over the Ethiopian naval base mirrors the interplay of local aspirations, national identity, and regional geopolitics. While some see potential economic benefits, others fear the erosion of their de facto independence.

    Somaliland's Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Isse Kayd Mohamud, has indicated that the decision on the naval base's construction and location remains pending. However, the uncertainty does little to quell the rising apprehension among the local populace and the broader geopolitical concerns.
     

     





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