Somalia’s cabinet urgently convened to discuss a recent port agreement between Ethiopia and the autonomous region of Somaliland.
The pact, signed in Addis Ababa, grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera.
This move aims to address Ethiopia’s longstanding landlocked status since Eritrea gained independence in 1991.
The agreement, inked by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, includes provisions for Ethiopia to establish maritime operations and a leased military base on the Red Sea.
In return, Somaliland is set to receive a stake in Ethiopia’s state-owned Ethiopian Airlines.
The Somali cabinet is poised to formulate its response during the Tuesday meeting, as tensions rise over Ethiopia’s bid for a seaport.
Despite declarations of autonomy in 1991, Somaliland lacks widespread international recognition, and Somalia maintains its territorial claim.
Recent talks between Somalia and Somaliland, mediated by Djibouti, aimed to resolve disputes. President Abdi anticipates Ethiopia recognising Somaliland’s independence as part of the port deal, reflecting Ethiopia’s determination to secure Red Sea access.
This development follows Abiy’s earlier assertion of Ethiopia’s right to Red Sea access, causing regional apprehension.
