The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has weighed in on the diplomatic row between Somalia and Ethiopia, calling for an amicable resolution of the dispute.
The dispute between the two countries sparked off on January 1, following the signing of a port deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
IGAD’s executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, confirmed Wednesday that it was seized of the matter as he expressed his “deep concern” over the developments.
“IGAD is diligently monitoring the situation and recognises the potential implications for regional stability,” reads the statement.
Gebeyehu noted that IGAD remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and regional integration.
“Given the circumstances, the Executive Secretary urges IGAD leaders to be seized and appeals to the two sisterly countries to collaborate towards a peaceful and amicable resolution of the situation, upholding the shared values that unite the IGAD family,” the statement further reads.
The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Addis Ababa saw Somaliland grant naval and commercial sea access on lease to Ethiopia for 50 years.
In return, Ethiopia officially recognised Somaliland as an independent state, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the country.
Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali signed the deal.
"Today, it is with immense pride that I announce the mutually beneficial agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia. In exchange for 20 km of sea access for the Ethiopian Naval Forces, leased for a period of 50 years,” Abdi said.
Somalia has maintained that the deal signed on Monday in Addis Ababa between Ethiopia and Somaliland is null and void.
The Somalia Cabinet maintained Monday that Somaliland is part of Somalia under the Somali constitution, terming the step taken by Somaliland a clear violation of its sovereignty and unity.
President Hassan Sheik Mohamud condemned the agreement as "illegal" as it accused Ethiopia of infringing on its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
This, even as he stated that not an inch of Somalia can or will be signed away by anybody,.
"Somalia belongs to the Somali people. This is final," he posted on his official X page.
Abiy Ahmed is yet to respond to the statement by Mohamud.
