Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, is standing by its agreement with the breakaway state of Somaliland, which has stirred a diplomatic controversy.
The deal has triggered strong opposition from Somalia, labelling it a violation of its sovereignty and pledging to challenge it through legal channels.
Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition as an independent state.
Ethiopia, in defence of the agreement, asserted that other countries had previously engaged in deals with Somaliland, emphasising that it had not breached any laws in pursuing this arrangement.
While Somaliland claimed that, in exchange for sea access, Ethiopia would formally recognise it, Ethiopia has not officially confirmed this aspect. Instead, Ethiopia stated that the deal includes provisions for the Ethiopian government to conduct a comprehensive assessment towards taking a position regarding Somaliland’s efforts for recognition.
Amidst the diplomatic tension, hundreds of people in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, took to the streets in protest against the agreement. Demonstrators expressed their opposition with placards bearing messages such as “Our sea is not for sale.”
