President Mohamud: Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland Targeted at Domestic Audience

In a condemnation at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has accused Ethiopia of attempting to divert attention from its domestic challenges by engaging in actions that infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty. This accusation centers on the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the separatist Somaliland administration and Ethiopia, which provides Ethiopia sea access in exchange for recognition. President Mohamud’s assertion that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is leveraging this potential adventure to distract from internal issues not only sheds light on the motivations behind Ethiopia’s foreign policy maneuvers but also raises concerns about the implications for regional stability and counter-terrorism cooperation.

According to President Hassan Sheikh, Ethiopia went into the MoU to bolster national pride and distract from pressing internal conflicts and governance challenges. However, President Mohamud’s allegations suggest that these actions come at a significant cost to Somalia’s territorial integrity and the broader principle of sovereignty within the Horn of Africa.

Impact on Collaboration

The strategic partnership between Somalia and Ethiopia has been a cornerstone of the regional effort to combat the insurgent group Al-Shabab. However, the current atmosphere of distrust, fueled by Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland, poses a substantial risk to this collaborative endeavor. The perception that Ethiopia is prioritizing its interests over regional stability could undermine joint counter-terrorism initiatives, limiting intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and ultimately, the collective capacity to address the Al-Shabab threat effectively. President Mohamud’s criticism highlights the delicate balance between national interests and regional security imperatives, suggesting that Ethiopia’s actions may inadvertently strengthen Al-Shabab’s position by diverting focus and resources away from the fight against terrorism.

Addressing the rift between Somalia and Ethiopia necessitates a concerted effort to rebuild trust and realign priorities towards the shared goal of regional stability and security. This will involve open dialogue, transparency, and a willingness to address the underlying tensions that have led to the current impasse. International actors with stakes in the Horn of Africa’s stability may also play a role in facilitating discussions and ensuring that counter-terrorism efforts are not derailed by geopolitical maneuvers. Ultimately, the focus must return to the urgent task of countering Al-Shabab, requiring a united front that transcends bilateral disagreements and prioritizes the collective security of the region.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s pointed critique of Ethiopia’s actions at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum underscores the intricate interplay between domestic politics, foreign policy, and regional security dynamics. Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland, while serving its strategic interests, has introduced new challenges to Somalia’s sovereignty and the broader counter-terrorism efforts in the Horn of Africa. Moving forward, the imperative for both nations, along with their regional and international partners, is to navigate these tensions with an eye towards the overarching goal of peace, stability, and security in the region.