The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, calls for calm and mutual respect to de-escalate the simmering tension between the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
In a press statement, the Chairperson said that he has been closely following the tension resulting from the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the region of Somalia (Somaliland).
“I urge the two countries to refrain from any action that unintentionally may lead to a deterioration of the good relations between the two neighboring Eastern African countries,” Faki said.
Furthermore, the Chairperson underscored the importance of adhering to the norms of good neighborliness to promote and consolidate peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa region. He stressed on the imperative to respect the unity, territorial integrity, and full sovereignty of all African Union member states including the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
“I urge the two brother countries to engage without delay in a negotiation process to settle their differences in the most constructive, peaceful, and collaborative manner to consolidate and deepen their cooperation to serve peace and security in the region,” the Chairperson said.
He reaffirmed that the African Union would stand strongly on their side to encourage an African solution to this African new tension.
The dispute between the two countries sparked off on January 1, 2024, following the signing of a port deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Addis Ababa saw Somaliland grant naval and commercial sea access on lease to Ethiopia for 50 years.
In return, Ethiopia officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the country.
