Somalia is set to convene an emergency meeting in response to the announcement of an agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, allowing Ethiopia access to the sea through the port of Berbera, located in this separatist region of Somalia, as reported by the Somali state television.
The accord between Addis Ababa and the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland — established following its secession from Mogadishu in 1991 and not internationally recognized — “paves the way for Ethiopia to secure its maritime access and diversify its port access,” stated a press release from the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday.
The agreement signifies a significant development in the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa, with Ethiopia seeking to expand its maritime options. The port of Berbera, situated in Somaliland, emerges as a key component in Ethiopia’s strategy to enhance its access to the sea.
As the news broke, the Somali government swiftly announced an emergency meeting to address the implications of this agreement. The geopolitical sensitivity surrounding Somaliland’s status and its negotiations with Ethiopia raises concerns within the broader context of regional relations and Somalia’s national interests.
The statement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office highlighted the economic and strategic benefits for Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of securing maritime access and diversifying port options. The Somali government’s response to this development will likely shape the regional discourse and diplomatic dynamics in the coming days.