In a bid to prevent the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia from spiralling into a full-blown war, the African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) has deployed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for negotiation efforts. In 1977, they disputed territory, and in 2006, Ethiopia invaded Somalia as part of the fight against terrorism. However, Somalia has declared that it will not engage in any discussions with Ethiopia unless the latter reverses its January 1 agreement with Somaliland. "The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia have been violated by Ethiopia when it signed an illegal agreement with the northern region [the administration of Somaliland] of Somalia. That is why there is no room for mediation unless Ethiopia reverses its illegal agreement and reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia," stated the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Ethiopian News January 19, 2024 16:44 UTC