The government’s firm stance serves as a testament to its commitment to advancing its national interests while fostering regional stability
Somaliland has once again highlighted its unwavering dedication to implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia, signaling its determination to uphold its sovereign right to engage in international agreements.
In a recent press release by Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government reiterated its commitment to moving forward with the MoU, emphasizing the importance of respecting its sovereignty.
The statement, issued on August 13th, 2024, affirmed the government’s steadfastness in pursuing the MoU with Ethiopia. It also addressed the recent mediation efforts initiated by Turkey between the Mogadishu Administration and Ethiopia. The press release expressed concern over Turkey’s growing involvement in regional matters, questioning its impartiality as a mediator and asserting that this interference directly contradicts the MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
President Muse Bihi Abdi, during a rally in Berbera, unequivocally conveyed Somaliland’s rejection of any external influence that undermines its sovereignty. The president’s message to Turkey resonated with the government’s stance, emphasizing that Somaliland will not tolerate any attempts to subordinate it to Mogadishu’s authority. The government made it abundantly clear that it reserves the right to enter into international agreements, underscoring the need for external entities to refrain from meddling in these matters.
Furthermore, the press release emphasized Somaliland’s commitment to regional peace and collaboration with neighboring countries. However, it reiterated that such collaboration should not come at the expense of Somaliland’s sovereignty. The government’s position underscores the delicate balance it seeks to maintain between engaging in regional partnerships and safeguarding its autonomy.
Somaliland’s unwavering resolve to uphold the MoU with Ethiopia conveys its determination to solidify diplomatic ties and drive regional progress. By reasserting its sovereign right to international agreements, Somaliland demonstrates its preparedness to engage with the global community on its own terms, safeguarding its autonomy and pursuing its national interests.
As Somaliland navigates complex regional dynamics, it remains steadfast in its pursuit of constructive engagement with Ethiopia while safeguarding its sovereignty. The government’s firm stance serves as a testament to its commitment to advancing its national interests while fostering regional stability.
In conclusion, Somaliland’s recent affirmation of its commitment to the MoU with Ethiopia underscores its resilience in upholding its sovereign rights. The government’s clear message to external stakeholders signals its readiness to engage in meaningful partnerships while firmly safeguarding its autonomy. As the global community continues to observe these developments, Somaliland’s principled position highlights the significance of respecting the sovereignty of all nations in international affairs.
Below is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release:
“Somaliland Government Reiterates Commitment to Ethiopia MoU, Asserts Sovereign Right to International Agreements.
Hargeisa, Somaliland August 13th, 2024 – The government of the Republic of Somaliland remains steadfast in moving forward with the Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia.
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland remains committed to implementing the MoU with Ethiopia. We have been closely monitoring the talks initiated by Turkey as part of the mediation efforts between the Mogadishu Administration and Ethiopia that started on Monday, August 12, it is clear that the talks did not bring the desired results for Turkey.
During a press conference on Friday, August 9, the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the goal of the talks is to ease tensions between the Mogadishu administration & Ethiopia. Türkiye’s growing involvement in such regional matters is a clear indication of the lack of impartiality of Türkiye as a mediator and their aim to directly interfere with the MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
His Excellency President Muse Bihi Abdi, speaking at a rally in Berbera two days ago, sent a strong message to Turkey, stating “Türkiye is not respecting the Sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland and Somaliland will not accept this, nor will Somaliland ever accept this, as it is equivalent to saying that Somaliland will be ruled from Mogadishu”. The government of the Republic of Somaliland reserves the right to enter into international agreements, as such, we urge the government of Turkey as well as others not to interfere.
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland remains committed to regional peace and collaboration with neighboring countries, however, it will not be at the cost of Somaliland’s Sovereignty.”
