Tensions are running high in the Horn of Africa as Somalia continues to demand Ethiopia annuls a controversial port deal with the breakaway republic of Somaliland, or else withdraw its troops from Somali territory.
On 1 January ignited at the beginning of this year when Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the breakaway region of Somaliland, a deal Somalia sees as an infringement to its sovereignty.
Under the deal, Somaliland would lease 20 kilometers (12 miles) of shoreline to Ethiopia in return for recognition, according to Somaliland officials.
Prime minister, Abiy Ahmed,’s quest for a Red Sea port is at the heart of this turbulence. Last year, he said Ethiopia’s landlocked status was a historic mistake that must be rectified – through negotiation or by force.
The deal sent shockwaves through the Horn of Africa and accelerated a diplomatic realignment that could impact the region’s geopolitics for decades.
The details are a closely guarded secret, but Somaliland appeared to grant Ethiopia a lease on a 25-kilometre stretch of coastline to build a naval base in return for official recognition.
Support for Somalia
Somalia has also launched a diplomatic offensive, rallying support for its cause. In addition to the pact with Egypt, Somalia has signed a deal with Türkiye to help it develop a navy, while Eritrea and Djibouti have expressed their support for Somalia in the dispute.
So have the United States, the EU, and the Arab League.Mogadishu therefore felt its only option was to take a hardline on the port deal.For Ethiopia, gaining access to the sea is a matter of national survival.
Port of Tadjoura
On the other hand In an interview with VOA’s Horn of Africa Service, Djibouti’s Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said his country has offered to give Ethiopia access to the port of Tadjoura, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the border with Ethiopia.
Helpful to Ethiopia
Djibouti is even ready to hand over a new port, a brand-new port that has been built, a brand-new corridor to the northern border of Djibouti, that corridor will be very helpful to Ethiopia, at least to decrease the cost of transport,” he said.
“If Ethiopia wants access to Somalia sea, we welcome it. But we want Ethiopia to have access the same way that Uganda has access to Kenya sea, the same way that Burundi and Rwanda have access to Tanzania sea … and the same way Ethiopia has access to Djibouti sea,” he said.
Five militaries
Djibouti is a small Horn of Africa country in a strategic maritime location. It hosts military bases for France, the United States, Italy, Japan and China.
Youssouf said his country hosts these five militaries because it is neutral and because the maritime route between the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden faces threats from militants, Houthis and, sometimes, piracy.
Somalia’s ports
It is noteworthy that Somalia’s ports are crucial in facilitating international trade and are vital gateways for imports and exports.
As the largest harbor in the country, the Port of Mogadishu is strategically located on the Indian Ocean, connecting Somalia to the global market and supporting economic growth and development in the region.
Potential risks
However, with the potential risks of smuggling, piracy, and terrorist activities, effective port law enforcement is essential for Somalia.
Without adequate measures, the country’s ports could become vulnerable to criminal and terrorist threats, leading to severe negative impacts on the economy and overall stability.
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