Egypt’s president has warned Ethiopia not to undermine Somalia’s security or territorial integrity after the latter announced a deal that could give it access to a secessionist region in Somalia.
The deal, which was signed earlier this month but has not been finalized, would allow Ethiopia to lease 20 km of coastland around the port of Berbera, in the self-declared republic of Somaliland, for 50 years. Ethiopia would also consider recognizing Somaliland’s independence claim, which has been rejected by Somalia and the international community.
Somalia has condemned the deal as a violation of its sovereignty and unity and has called for its cancellation. Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, visited Cairo on Sunday to discuss the issue with his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Sisi said Egypt would not tolerate any threat to Somalia or its security, and urged Ethiopia to cooperate on development rather than seek to control land. He also said Egypt would not hesitate to intervene if Somalia asked for its help.
“Do not try Egypt, or try to threaten its brothers especially if they ask it to intervene,” Sisi said at a joint news conference with Mohamud.
Egypt and Ethiopia have been at odds for years over another issue: the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which Egypt fears will reduce its share of the Nile water. The Nile is Egypt’s lifeline, providing most of its freshwater needs. Ethiopia, however, insists the dam will benefit both countries and the region, and has continued with its construction despite Egypt’s objections.
Mohamud thanked Sisi for his support and solidarity and said Somalia and Egypt shared common interests and challenges. He also said Somalia was committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes with its neighbors.
“We are not looking for confrontation or conflict with anyone. We are looking for cooperation and partnership,” Mohamud said.
Somaliland, a former British colony, declared independence from Somalia in 1991, following a civil war that toppled the central government in Mogadishu. It has since been seeking international recognition but has failed to win any. It has its own government, parliament, currency, and security forces, but relies heavily on trade and aid from Ethiopia.
Ethiopia, a landlocked country with a population of over 100 million, has been seeking access to the sea for decades. It lost its main port, Assab, when Eritrea seceded in 1993. It currently depends on Djibouti for most of its maritime exports and imports but has been looking for alternatives.
The deal with Somaliland, if implemented, would give Ethiopia a strategic foothold in the Horn of Africa, a region that has been plagued by instability, terrorism, piracy, and famine. It would also boost Ethiopia’s economic and political influence in the continent, where it is already a major player.
However, the deal could also escalate tensions with Somalia, which is struggling to rebuild after years of war and chaos. Somalia, with the help of the African Union and Western forces, has been fighting against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabab, which controls large parts of the country. Somalia also faces a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing hunger and disease.
The deal could also affect the relations between Ethiopia and other regional powers, such as Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have their interests and agendas in Somalia and Somaliland. Some of these countries have been competing for influence and resources in the area, and have been accused of meddling in Somalia’s internal affairs.
The situation in the Horn of Africa is complex and delicate and requires careful diplomacy and cooperation from all parties involved. The deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland could either be a catalyst for development and peace or a trigger for conflict and division. The future of the region depends on the choices and actions of its leaders and people.
Source: Reuters
