Sunday January 5, 2025
Hargeisa (HOL) – Somaliland's new government has reiterated plans to review the canceled Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the previous administration with Ethiopia to ensure it serves Somaliland's national interests.
Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden, who has been a vocal critic of the agreement, described the MoU as ambiguous. "What Ethiopia is saying and what the president of Somaliland was saying is different. Ethiopia stated, 'We will consider recognition after we are given the sea,'" Aden explained during a meeting with Somaliland's parliamentary committee on foreign affairs on Sunday.
The minister underscored that the new administration is committed to thoroughly evaluating the agreement's implications. "If it benefits us and includes our recognition, we are more than willing to accept it. We will look into it. We are committed to it," Aden stated, adding that Somaliland had communicated this stance to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia canceled the MoU following negotiations with Somalia in Turkey to resolve the year-long dispute over Ethiopia's plans to build a port in Somaliland. Somalia, which considers Somaliland a part of its territory, had strongly opposed the agreement, describing it as an act of "aggression."
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over three decades ago, remains steadfast in its quest for international recognition. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago, continues to push for international recognition while navigating regional tensions.