Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has declared support for Somalia amid a disagreement with Ethiopia over a sea access agreement with Somaliland.
On Monday, Ethiopia inked a deal to utilise one of Somaliland’s seaports, drawing condemnation from Somalia. Somalia, which asserts Somaliland as part of its territory, has criticised the deal as an act of aggression and a violation of its sovereignty.
During a phone conversation with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President al-Sisi affirmed “Egypt’s firm position to stand by Somalia and support its security and stability,” as stated by al-Sisi’s spokesperson, Ahmed Famy, on Tuesday. The two leaders also discussed regional developments and bilateral relations.
President Mohamud further engaged in a phone call with the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad, focusing on mutual interests in bilateral and regional relations, according to the Somalia presidency.
The European Union bloc has voiced criticism of the deal, urging respect for Somalia’s “unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.” The EU emphasised the importance of these principles for the overall peace and stability of the Horn of Africa region in a statement.