The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa has been stirred once again as Somaliland lawmakers make a resolute stand against a maritime access deal with Ethiopia. In a move that has reverberated through the region, members of Somaliland’s parliament, particularly from the Awdal and Salal provinces, have vehemently opposed what they deem an “illegal” agreement aimed at undermining Somaliland’s unity.
The contentious deal, which allows Ethiopia to establish a permanent naval base and commercial maritime service in the Gulf of Aden, has sparked outcry and condemnation within Somaliland’s corridors of power. Citing concerns over sovereignty and unity, lawmakers have called for the immediate retraction of the memorandum of understanding, highlighting the perceived lack of consensus and transparency in its formulation.
Central to the rejection is the alleged absence of clarity and unity in the statements issued by leaders from both Somaliland and Ethiopia regarding the deal. This ambiguity has fueled apprehension among Somaliland’s political class, exacerbating tensions between the breakaway region and its neighbors.
Somalia, which contests Somaliland’s independence, has vehemently opposed the agreement, denouncing it as “illegitimate” and a breach of its territorial integrity. The rift between Somalia and Ethiopia has widened in the wake of this deal, with Somalia going as far as recalling its ambassador from Addis Ababa in protest.
Ethiopia’s defense of the deal underscores its strategic imperatives, emphasizing that the agreement with Somaliland poses no threat to any party or country. With memories of the loss of its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s still fresh, Ethiopia views this pact as a means to reclaim strategic access to maritime routes vital for its economic and security interests.
The backdrop of historical tensions, exacerbated by the Eritrean War of Independence and the subsequent separation of Eritrea from Ethiopia, adds complexity to the current dynamics. Ethiopia’s loss of direct access to the Red Sea following Eritrea’s independence has been a strategic handicap, shaping its foreign policy and regional alliances.
As geopolitical rivalries play out in the Horn of Africa, the rejection of the Red Sea access deal by Somaliland lawmakers underscores the region’s volatile nature. The standoff between Somaliland, Somalia, and Ethiopia epitomizes the intricate web of interests, identities, and historical grievances that define the region’s politics.
All in all, the rejection of the Red Sea access deal by Somaliland lawmakers marks a significant development in the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical landscape. As stakeholders navigate the complexities of regional politics, the implications of this rejection reverberate far beyond the shores of the Gulf of Aden, shaping the future trajectory of relations in the Horn of Africa.
