Despite lacking diplomatic recognition, Somaliland remains engaged with the international community, a global reality that the MoU leveraged in the interest of Ethiopia and the people of Somaliland, the party conveyed in a statement issued on Thursday. Nevertheless, Ezema cautioned the government against certain communications from state and affiliated media outlets that could inadvertently jeopardize ongoing diplomatic engagement. “We must equally emphasize our adherence to established norms and protocols alongside our efforts to articulate, advance, promote, and defend our nation’s long-term development aspirations and strategic interests,” the party said. Regional councils of opposition groups including in Oromia and Amhara have also pledged support to the MoU. The signing of the MoU on 01 January 2024, granting Ethiopia access to the sea in return for international recognition for Somaliland, escalated tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, with Somalia deterring an Ethiopian airplane from landing in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland on Wednesday.

Source: Ethiopian News January 18, 2024 13:28 UTC