Ethiopia, which is facing global condemnation for signing an illegal Memorandum of Understanding with the secessionist northern part of Somalia known as Somaliland to access the Red Sea, has asked for an extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of IGAD to “explain itself” on the matter. Somalia leaders said the agreements did not only violate the unity of Somalia and its Constitution but also threatened to stoke security tensions in the Horn of Africa. The international community including United Nations, European Union, IGAD and African Union have condemned Ethiopia’s violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity. Somalia ruled out talks with Ethiopia until Addis Ababa retracts its agreement with Somaliland. Abdishakur said, “Instead of operating beyond the boundaries of diplomacy, Ethiopia should retract its decision and respect Somalia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Source: Ethiopian News January 31, 2024 10:47 UTC