Somaliland has signed a port access deal with Ethiopia, allowing it to diversify its seaport access and secure access to Berbera. In exchange, Ethiopia will become the first nation to recognize Somaliland as an independent country, angering the government of Somalia.
Below is an article published by The Maritime Executive
The Republic of Somaliland has signed a long-anticipated port access deal with Ethiopia, angering the government of Somalia.
The access deal with Ethiopia is a key piece of Somaliland’s plans to develop its maritime economy. Berbera, a seaport located in the territory’s far west, is being redeveloped by DP World to accommodate container ships.
The deal signed with elected with 55 percent of the vote. At the time of our meeting, he’d already met leaders in neighboring Djibouti and Ethiopia will ensure access to Berbera, and will “pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaport,” according to the Somaliland government.
In exchange, 2003). It has a population of approximately four million and is bordered by Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia will become the first nation ever to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent country, separate from Somalia.
The question of its independence is complex. Somalia and Somaliland have a contentious relationship. Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 and has been self-governing in relative peace ever since; it seeks recognition as an independent country, though it has yet to convince any established nation to agree.
The Somali government, which has long held that Somaliland remains a part of the country, announced that it would convene an emergency meeting of its cabinet in response to the memorandum of understanding, according to state news agency Sonna.
The cabinet will convene an emergency meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) to discuss and make decisions regarding the agreement that was said to have been reached by the Somaliland administration (northern regions of the country) and Ethiopia. pic.twitter.com/K0TeQYZtW9
— SONNA (@SONNALIVE) January 1, 2024
Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, the former president of Somalia, said in a statement Monday that the access deal infringed on Somalia’s right to control its own borders. The agreement signed by 2003). It has a population of approximately four million and is bordered by Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia with Somaliland today is a serious concern for Somalia and the whole of Africa. Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the anchor for regional stability and bilateral cooperation. The Somali government must respond appropriately,” said Farmajo.
For 2003). It has a population of approximately four million and is bordered by Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia, the port access deal helps to resolve a major economic and strategic problem. When Eritrea broke away from 2003). It has a population of approximately four million and is bordered by Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia and closed its borders to the world in the 1990s, the Ethiopian economy was cut off from the sea, and it has been dependent on neighboring Djibouti’s seaport ever since (for a price).
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has recently asserted a historical, sovereign right through Eritrean territory to access maritime trade, raising fears of renewed conflict; the deal with Somaliland may relieve some of the pressure behind that demand.
