In a recent news conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi expressed his support for Somalia and strongly criticized Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. The deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland involves obtaining access to the sea and establishing a marine force base, which has raised concerns in the region.
El-Sisi emphasized Egypt’s commitment to Somalia’s security, stating, “Egypt will not allow anyone to threaten Somalia or affect its security.” He warned against any attempts to challenge Egypt or its allies, especially if they request intervention.
Somaliland, a strategically located region by the Gulf of Aden, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amidst a civil conflict. Despite lacking international recognition, it has maintained its own government. In a memorandum on January 1, Ethiopia expressed its willingness to recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange for port access. The agreement entails leasing 20km (12 miles) of coastland around the port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden for military and commercial purposes. Currently, Ethiopia relies on Djibouti as its main port for maritime exports.
Somali President Mohamud strongly rejected the deal, considering it a violation of international law and a compromise of Somalia’s sovereignty. Seeking support for his government, Mohamud visited Egypt and held meetings with President el-Sisi, Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Al-Azhar Mosque’s Grand Imam, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb.
President el-Sisi echoed Mohamud’s concerns, stating that attempting to seize land for control is unacceptable. He emphasized that cooperation on development would be a more effective strategy. Ethiopia, however, defended the deal and dismissed Egypt’s criticism, stating that it was merely a commercial agreement aimed at securing access to the sea and not an annexation of land.
Tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia have existed for years due to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile. The countries, along with Sudan, have been engaged in negotiations for over a decade to reach an agreement on the dam’s filling and operation. The latest round of talks ended without a deal, and both Cairo and Addis Ababa blamed each other for the failure. Key issues, such as water release downstream during droughts and dispute resolution mechanisms, remain unresolved.
In conclusion, Egypt’s President el-Sisi’s statement of support for Somalia and criticism of Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. The dispute adds to the existing challenges in negotiations between Egypt and Ethiopia concerning the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. The situation calls for diplomatic efforts to find a resolution that respects the interests and sovereignty of all parties involved.
