SOMALIA: Somalia on Tuesday recalled her ambassador to Ethiopia for “consultations,” even as it maintained that the deal signed in Addis Ababa between Ethiopia and Somaliland state is null and void.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed Monday between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
In the MoU, Ethiopia officially recognises Somaliland, while Somaliland grants naval and commercial sea access on lease to Ethiopia for 50 years.
President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali signed the deal.
This historic agreement ensures Ethiopia’s access to the sea for their naval forces, reciprocated by formal recognition of Somaliland, marking it 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 20km sea access for the Ethiopian Naval forces, leased for a period of 50 years,” Abdi said.
