Somalia Fires Back as President Blasts Ethiopia’s Bold Maritime Moves

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently issued a strong warning to Ethiopia over its maritime ambitions, specifically targeting Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region in Somalia.

The controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) allows Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s Berbera port on the Gulf of Aden. In exchange, Ethiopia has expressed potential support for Somaliland’s long-sought independence, which Mogadishu sees as a direct threat to Somali sovereignty and regional stability.

The Ethiopian government, which has long been landlocked, views this agreement as an essential move for economic access to the Red Sea. However, President Mohamud asserts that Ethiopia’s actions undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity, which he emphasized during a recent address urging the international community to condemn Ethiopia’s move.

This diplomatic clash has resulted in Somalia recalling its ambassador from Addis Ababa and calling on allies to support its stance against Ethiopia’s ambitions.

The tensions also have broader regional implications, as both the United States and the United Kingdom have recently voiced concerns, reaffirming Somalia’s territorial claims and warning against actions that could destabilize the Horn of Africa.

Some analysts worry that this dispute could strain peacekeeping collaborations and open security vulnerabilities, especially in a region still combating extremist threats like Al-Shabaab. Adding to the complexity, Ethiopia’s alliance with Somaliland is bolstered by support from Gulf nations, notably the UAE, which is financially backing developments in the port city of Berbera.

As Mogadishu and Addis Ababa remain at odds, neighboring countries and regional bodies like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are encouraged to facilitate dialogue to prevent further escalation.

Observers warn that Ethiopia’s current approach may complicate its relationships with other East African nations, especially as it seeks more formal maritime access in a volatile region where both diplomatic finesse and collaboration are crucial to avoid conflict.