Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal Sparks Outrage in Somalia

International Bodies Call for Restraint Amid Escalating Tensions in the Horn of Africa

Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a controversial deal on January 1, granting Ethiopia access to the sea through a leased part of Somaliland's coastline. In return, Somaliland expects Ethiopia to recognize it as an independent state, a move that has sparked outrage in Somalia, which considers Somaliland as part of its territory.
The exact terms of the agreement remain unclear, with differing versions of what was agreed upon. However, it is known that the deal includes a military aspect, with Somaliland potentially leasing a section of its coast to Ethiopia's navy.
Somalia has ruled out mediation with Ethiopia unless the latter cancels the deal. The African Union, European Union, and the United States have expressed concern over the escalating tensions, calling for restraint and meaningful dialogue between the parties.
The deal has been described as an act of aggression by Somalia, which has recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also ramped up his rhetoric, calling Ethiopia his country's enemy and vowing to defend Somalia's sovereignty.
The situation has drawn international attention, with the East African trade bloc IGAD set to discuss the tensions. The dispute not only threatens the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Somalia but also poses potential adverse impacts on the peace, security, and stability of the region.