Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has broken his silence about a port deal he recently signed with the breakaway Somaliland state.
In a heartfelt response to the House of People's Representatives Tuesday, Abiy underscored the blood ties that bind the two nations while stressing about Ethiopia's aversion to war against any nation.
He highlighted the deep historical ties between the people of Ethiopia and Somalia noting the request for sea access was based on mutual benefit.
“This is useful not only for Ethiopia's interests but also for regional cooperation,” he said.
“Ethiopia, being a friend, does not wish any harm to come upon Somalia,” he added.
The PM also pointed an accusing finger at some forces he said are trying to incite conflict between the two nations as he acknowledged the sacrifices made by Ethiopians for the peace of Somalia.
“The people of Ethiopia and Somalia are bound by blood. Many Ethiopians have died for the peace of Somalia,” he added.
The two countries are currently engaged in a diplomatic feud with the crux of the matter being the January deal that was signed in Addis Ababa.
Abiy and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi penned the deal.
The historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed 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.
"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 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.