China expressed support for the government of Somalia amid a controversy about a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which Mogadishu views as a breakaway province. In early January, the governments of Ethiopia and Somaliland announced they signed a memorandum of understanding that would give landlocked Ethiopia commercial and naval access to 20km of Somaliland’s coast. The 50-year lease deal would include official recognition of the restive region.

Source: Ethiopian News January 16, 2024 02:13 UTC