Addis Ababa, 2 January 2024(TDI): Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office announced that Ethiopia signed an agreement with the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland to utilize the port of Berbera on the Red Sea.
According to its government, Ethiopia has initiated the initial legal measures, eventually granting the landlocked nation access to the sea.
During the signing ceremony held in Addis Ababa, Abiy stated on Monday that this agreement has been finalized with our Somaliland counterparts. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi.
Abiy described the deal as “historic”. Furthermore, Abiy’s office emphasized that it will facilitate the realization of Ethiopia’s goal to secure access to the sea and broaden its avenues to seaports. In addition, his statement further highlighted that the agreement enhances the security, economic, and political collaboration between the two nations.
Ethiopia lost its coastal access in 1993 when Eritrea gained independence after a three-decade war, leaving Ethiopia landlocked.
Since then, Ethiopia has primarily relied on neighboring Djibouti for its maritime trade. The recent agreement with Somaliland comes after Prime Minister Abiy expressed the country’s intention to assert its right to access the Red Sea, prompting regional concerns.
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According to President Abdi, Ethiopia is set to be the first nation to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence in the future as part of the deal.
According to Abiy’s national security adviser, Redwan Hussien, the agreement not only opens the door for Ethiopia to engage in commercial marine activities in the region but also grants access to a leased military base on the Red Sea.
Hussien mentioned that as part of the agreement, Somaliland would acquire a share in the state-owned Ethiopian Airlines, although specific details were not disclosed. Hussien also mentioned that as part of the agreement, Somaliland would acquire a share in the state-owned Ethiopian Airlines, although specific details were not disclosed.
On the other hand, despite declaring autonomy from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has not secured widespread international recognition. However, Somalia maintains that Somaliland is part of its territory.
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