The Minister of Planning and National Development of the Republic of Somaliland Hon. Ahmed Mohamed Diriye and his Ethiopian counterpart Dr. Fitsum Assefa Adela held a meeting in Addis Ababa.
The ministers agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in the fields of planning and development.
They both agreed to appoint a technical committee to pave way for the implementation of the accord.
Cooperation between different Somaliland and Ethiopia government agencies will strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two brotherly nations.
The announcement made on New Year’s Day that Ethiopia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Somaliland covering several areas may have created the first major geopolitical risk of the year 2024.
There is a copious amount of information to glean through to determine what is fact from fiction however there are several key points to take into consideration. Ethiopia has sought an outlet to the sea since Eritrea won its independence after a protracted insurgency ended in the 1990s. On the surface this MOU fulfills a need that the Ethiopians need.
The scenario from the Somali side of the equation presents a unique set of challenges. First question that needs to be asked is does the Somaliland region have the legal authority to sign on to a deal like this? The authorities in Mogadishu emphatically state that they do not. However in 2017 the Puntland region signed a deal with a UAE based firm to develop and operate the port of Bosaso. There has been no criticism of that deal from the Somali Federal Government.
That suggests the issues that Mogadishu currently has originated from either one of the following details. First the deal proposes that Ethiopia would be allowed to have a military base in the port of Berbera. This is one of the root causes of the vitriolic reaction that came from Mogadishu. Their view is that Somaliland is still part of Somalia. Hence any deal that allows for a foreign entity to be based on Somali territory has to be negotiated by Mogadishu not Hargesia.
There are two other issues that may compel Ethiopia to take this step. They are separate concerns but can appear to be interconnected. First off are the attacks in the Red Sea committed by the Houthis. The reduction in traffic though this transit point appears to be impacting the Ethiopian Economy. The Economic concerns are the second issue that may compel this action to be taken.
The MOU also contains some interesting clauses. These clauses allow for Somaliland to acquire a stake in Ethiopia Airlines for example. This deal could accelerate plans by Ethiopia to construct a railroad from Ethiopia to Berbera that would move over 1 million tons of freight annually when completed.
To state that this MOU is controversial is an understatement. The challenge becomes whether or not Addis Ababa will recognize the independence of Somaliland. Those advocating for independence have been emboldened by the fact a regional actor is interested in conducting business with them. When this was announced early reports suggested that Ethiopia would take this step at some point in the future.
The reaction from the Somali Government has been swift. The government has stated that the MOU that was signed had “no legal force and threatened regional stability” and would further state that it would defend its sovereignty. In a sign that this situation is now bordering on the bizarre, the militant group Al-Shabaab released a statement that criticized the signing of the MOU.
There have been some interesting statements made by the main security partners of Somalia as well. The EU issued a statement reminding all of “the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia” as defined by its Constitution and other AU and UN treaties.
The US State Department has also issued a statement that has some interesting language. During a press briefing on January 4 a spokesman stated “We join other partners in expressing our serious concern as well about the resulting spike in tensions in the Horn of Africa.” However the statement would further iterate “ We urge all stakeholders to engage in diplomatic dialogue and the United States recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia within its 1960 borders.”
What will the next steps look like? That is an interesting question to ponder. We should expect those who have been advocating for various Governments such as the United States, United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates would be the first countries that we will see the focus on first. We may expect feelers to be sent out to Kenya and other regional actors as well.
The next few months in the Horn of Africa will be both concerning and an issue to watch.
This week we have witnessed the unprecedented signing of the Memorandum of understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia which has sent shock waves in the Horn of Africa and beyond. The MOU involves the development of an Ethiopian port for the purpose of trade and military in Somalia’s seas situated in Somaliland in exchange for economic benefits and alleged recognition for the state of Somaliland, which will be finalised in the coming months. This gives land-locked Ethiopia of over 100 million people strategic access to a red sea port to enhance its increasing demand and influence in the region/beyond.
This agreement in my view is illegal as it violates the territorial sovereignty and integrity of the Somalia’s Federal Republic and warrants all diplomatic and political condemnation possible . Somaliland has made great strides in its political development as the only relative democracy in the region, apart from Kenya. However, despite their claim for independence, this will ONLY require a political negotiation with Somalia to either form a union or divorce for good. Somaliland cannot just run away from its obligations without amicable resolution with Somalia.
While the road to independence is dialogue with Somalia, Mogadishu cannot also ignore the political reality on the ground. Somaliland’s development is unique and has not been part of Somalia’s revised constitutional process since the third republic process started and therefore is not member of the Federal government negotiated in the Arta or Imbagathi peace process. It is also fundamental to point out Somalia only knows what it can reject on the Somaliland question but lacks imaginative political plan or blue print for a Somali union. It is becoming pointless to sight territorial sovereignty and integrity in the absence of a political plan to keep the union together .
There are ongoing political dialogue on the development and revision of the Somali transitional constitution which will require final ratification. The executive in agreement with the federal member states leaders has al;so discussed political changes involving a shift to a presidential model of government with a vice president and a parliament. It is also relevant to point out Somaliland is not party to these discussion or negotiations. While these changes represent another political experiment, it is not going to solve the fundamental under belly of Somalia’s political instability, which are essentially about real or percieved power imbalance structure and lack of political reconciliation that has led to political fragmentation at the centre and prephery . Somalia urgently requires all encompassing political settlement that does not involve winner takes all political settlement and would at the same time help solve the Somaliland question. In my view, since the fundamental issues at play is power imbalance and reconciliation. To move fordward, Somalia should adopt a rotational presidency involving all members states leaders with the inclusion of Somaliland in that process. This will in the short run create broad-based inclusive politics that enhances reconciliation, fosters political trust and reduces political fragmentation. This might be a away of out the impasse that has undermined the Somali union.
What we have witnnesed this week in Eithiopia is symtoms of our political fragemtation and politicall instability across Somalia. I have warned many times in my observations below that Somaliland or regional and international interest is not going to wait for political stagnation in Mogadishu. We have entered the era of post 1945 international order with its unpredicability and political turmoil. Somalia needs urgent pivot towards a sustainable political settlement if its to survive or avoid further dislocation.
In summary, beyond the emotions and political rhetoric, nobody is entitled to a political union that creates poverty and misery both politicallly and economically at cost of the other. Somaliland has forged a clear direction of political and economic purpose – where does Mogadishu wants to go? and business as usual is not going to cut it for Somalia and beyond.
Mohamed Ibrahim BA/MSc, London School of Economics and Political Science, is a
keen writer and social justice campaigner, London-based, He can be reached via
@Mi_shiine
The Somali Cabinet condemned the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the breakaway region of Somaliland and Ethiopia as a violation of sovereignty, but there’s little that it can do to change the on-the-ground reality that’s been in place for over the past three decades. Somaliland restored its independence in 1991 after the 31-year unification project with some of its co-ethnics failed, but it remained unrecognized until the MoU saw Addis agree to become the first UN member state to do so.
In exchange for this and granting that country stakes in its national airline, Ethiopia will receive commercial-military port rights that’ll finally resolve its landlockeddilemma that’s been in place since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. In the intervening three decades, Somaliland proved that it has all the characteristics of a sovereign state by defending its existence, improving its people’s livelihoods through socio-economic development, and successfully managing its own armed forces, among other factors.
Ethiopia had been reluctant to change the geopolitical status quo through formal recognition of this reality despite cultivating ties with Somaliland but reversed its position in pursuit of the greater regional good related to resolving its aforesaid dilemma and the domestic-international problems that it entails. Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Abiy Ahmed wouldn’t have done this had any of the surrounding states accepted his proposal to swap stakes in his country’s national companies for commercial-military port rights.
They remained influenced by the regional security dilemma into perceiving his proposal as a threat, especially after the pro-government online Eritrean community fearmongered (possibly with the involvement of their country’s intelligence) that Ethiopia was plotting to annex its neighbors. Instead of containing Ethiopia and perpetuating its landlocked dilemma like that information warfare campaign intended, it backfired by compelling Ethiopia to negotiate with Somaliland out of an absence of choice.
No matter how upset this makes Somalia, the only ones to blame are itself and the other countries that rejected PM Abiy’s proposal, but Mogadishu is more at fault than anyone else for creating the conditions under which Somaliland separated in the first place and then failing to resolve their dispute till now. As it presently stands, Somalia is struggling to defend itself from Al Shabaab and restore the state’s writ over several highly autonomous regions that are sometimes at odds with the federal government.
This conflict-beleaguered country therefore isn’t in a position to regain sovereignty over Somaliland, which it should accept as soon as possible in order to avoid wasting more financial and military resources in what would certainly be a doomed-to-fail attempt at trying to change this reality. The military dimension of the latest MoU with Ethiopia coupled with UAE’s investments in Somaliland’s port of Berbera that Abu Dhabi would also likely protect with force if needed work against Somalia’s plans.
The growing convergence of Ethiopian-Emirati military interests in Somaliland can also ensure regional security by creating a deterrent against pirates from neighboring Somalia’s Puntland State. They’re no longer anywhere near as much of a threat as they used to be, but it’s still alarming that they hijacked four fishing boats over the last month. The Federal Government of Somalia was powerless to stop them, both then and now, and it’ll likely remain equally powerless for the foreseeable future.
It’s therefore imperative that responsible stakeholders in the region counteract this threat, which Ethiopia and the UAE could eventually do as their growing convergence of military interests in Somaliland approaches its seemingly inevitable conclusion of a trilateral alliance. If independence-aspiring South Yemen officially returns to the geopolitical map, such as if its Emirati ally recognizes this after it’s declared and then Ethiopia follows suit, a new quadrilateral security alliance could form.
That structure could in turn sustainably ensure the region’s security from unconventional threats like those posed by Puntland’s pirates, but it’s premature to expect South Yemen to declare independence anytime soon since the Yemeni War and the unofficial Emirati-Saudi rivalry complicate its plans. In any case, even the emerging trilateral alliance could suffice for fulfilling this role, and it’s unrealistic to imagine that Somalia will win a war against all three if it decides to wage one after the MoU was signed.
Egypt and Eritrea, which want to contain Ethiopia through proxy war means, might try to push Somalia into undertaking such a suicidal decision. Mogadishu would do well to ignore whatever such pressure they put upon it since those two would only want to fight Ethiopia to the last Somali exactly as NATO is trying to fight Russia to the last Ukrainian. The best course of action is for Somalia to accept the new military-diplomatic realities and negotiate Somaliland’s divorce in a dignified way.
The recent talks between their leaders in Djibouti could serve this purpose if the political will exists on Mogadishu’s side to do so, though that remains questionable after the Cabinet’s reaction to their breakaway region’s deal with Ethiopia that came right afterwards. In that event, the next best scenario is for Somalia to remain committed to resolving their disagreements through purely peaceful means following the latest example set by VenezuelaandGuyana after their leaders’ talks in St. Vincent.
Since Ethiopia and the UAE just joined BRICS, that bloc or one of its members like Russia – which enjoys excellent relations with those two and is rapidly expanding ties with Somalia – could offer to mediate if Mogadishu felt like the recent talks in Djibouti were toxified by the subsequent MoU. Whether there’s a “dignified divorce” or if the “cold peace” remains, what’s most important is that Somalia doesn’t let itself be misled by Egypt and Eritrea into waging a war over this issue that it’s doomed to lose.
The Chairman of the Academy of Peace and Development of the Republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Farah Hirsi, said that the historic agreement signed by the Governments of Somaliland and Ethiopia in Addis Ababa is of great benefit to the country and it will get what it has been pursued for three decades.
He urged the Somaliland community to support this agreement and said, “This preliminary agreement shows and defines and highlights that the two governments of Ethiopia and Somaliland have a lot in common”.
He continued, “There is no country that gives something freely but something is exchanged in reciprocity as concerns socio or socio-economic, security and political stability there ought to be collaborations in cooperating in various aspect”.
He added, “We need to define and clarify this agreement and let our Somaliland people understand it. This agreement is a preliminary agreement, and it is an agreement that will enable Somaliland to get what it has been searching for thirty-three years, which is to be a recognized sovereign country amongst equals in the international community”.
He explained while posing a query, “Ethiopia, according to the agreement, will be the first country to recognize the Republic of Somaliland, and the President said, we will lease a part of one of our oceans. How is this agreement different from the one we leased to DP Word, the legal system military base that we leased to the United Arab Emirates and what is different from our neighboring country of Djibouti which has leased military bases to dozens of countries?”
The APD chairman noted further, “This agreement will promote the development and economic growth of Somaliland, because of our coastline which is more than nine hundred kilometers, and over-looking the most important waterway in the world, Babul-Mandab, which connects to the Suez Canal where 12% of the world’s economy passes, is the opening of the economy, as both the economy of Ethiopia and that of Somaliland are dependent on each other”.
He underscored that the APD being a think-tank who has delved deeply on the matter over time; they vouch for the fact that its recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state is enough to set the ball rolling for the success of this nation.
Click the link Below to Read APD Research Paper on the issue
Somaliland and Ethiopia have embarked on a historic accord, marking a significant milestone in regional diplomacy. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) involves the lease of a 20 km square area of sea territory by Somaliland to Ethiopia for a period of 50 years. However, the agreement goes beyond mere territorial utilization; it signifies a substantial diplomatic shift, with Ethiopia promising full recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty within the MoU framework.
The leased sea territory holds immense strategic value due to its location along the Red Sea Gate. This location provides Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, access to the sea, facilitating trade and maritime activities crucial for its economic growth. It serves as a vital gateway for Ethiopia’s imports and exports, bypassing the congested Djibouti ports.
For Somaliland, the agreement translates into significant economic gains. The lease payments from Ethiopia over the 50-year period will inject substantial capital into Somaliland’s economy, fostering development and infrastructure enhancement. Moreover, the diplomatic recognition by Ethiopia reinforces Somaliland’s legitimacy on the international stage, potentially paving the way for more widespread recognition by other nations.
Ethiopia stands to gain immensely from this pact. Access to the Red Sea via the leased area streamlines its trade routes, reducing dependency on neighboring Djibouti and diversifying its options for import and export channels. This strategic advantage is crucial for Ethiopia’s economic resilience and growth.
The presence of Ethiopian marine forces in the leased area amplifies Ethiopia’s security apparatus. It not only safeguards its maritime interests but also contributes to regional stability. However, this presence must be managed diplomatically to alleviate any concerns among neighboring nations.
Somaliland’s astute diplomatic move in securing this agreement demonstrates its proactive approach to securing economic opportunities and asserting its sovereignty. This MoU reinforces Somaliland’s position as a responsible regional actor capable of engaging in mutually beneficial agreements.
The MoU has stirred concerns within Somalia, which contests Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty. Somalia considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory, and this diplomatic breakthrough challenges Somalia’s stance on Somaliland’s autonomy.
The MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia marks a momentous stride in regional politics and economic cooperation. While it promises substantial mutual benefits for both parties, it also triggers concerns and potential tensions with Somalia. However, the strategic and economic advantages far outweigh these challenges, presenting a promising future for Somaliland and Ethiopia and potentially reshaping the regional dynamics.
The key highlights of the MoU include the lease of maritime territory by Somaliland to Ethiopia, while Ethiopia pledges to formally recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state—a diplomatic acknowledgment with far-reaching consequences.
However, this historic agreement hasn’t come without challenges. The insurgent group Al-Shabaab has vehemently opposed Somaliland’s decision to lease the sea to Ethiopia. Their threats, aimed at destabilizing the region, underscore the complex security dynamics in play. Al-Shabaab’s opposition poses a tangible risk to Somaliland’s peace and stability, potentially escalating tensions and violence in the area.
The impact of this agreement on Somaliland’s peace and stability is a matter of concern. While economic gains are anticipated, the socio-political ramifications need careful consideration. The threat from religious militancy, exacerbated by Al-Shabaab’s objection, raises questions about potential internal strife. The lease of the sea becomes a point of contention that might be exploited to incite unrest and challenge the legitimacy of the Somaliland government.
To address these challenges and ensure lasting stability, enhanced cooperation between Ethiopia and Somaliland is imperative. Collaboration must extend beyond the economic realm to encompass joint efforts in combating religious militancy. This partnership should focus on bolstering security measures, intelligence sharing, and implementing counter-terrorism strategies. Strengthening border security and maritime surveillance to thwart potential threats becomes paramount.
Moreover, fostering dialogue and engagement with marginalized communities susceptible to religious extremism is vital. Investing in education, economic development, and social integration initiatives can counter the narrative of militancy, promoting democratic governance and inclusivity.
The success of this MoU hinges on the ability of both nations to navigate the intricate socio-political landscape while addressing security challenges effectively. Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state adds a diplomatic dimension that could potentially pave the way for broader international recognition.
While the MoU signifies a strategic alliance between Somaliland and Ethiopia, its success lies in effectively managing the security threats posed by groups like Al-Shabaab and addressing the socio-economic aspirations of the populace. Cooperation, not just in economic ventures but also in security measures and countering extremism, will determine the enduring impact of this historic agreement on regional stability and development.
An extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Republic was held today, on 03/01/2024, under the chairmanship of the H.E. Abdirahman Abdilahi Ismail (Saylici), the current Acting President and Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland.
Having reviewed:
The Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland, which states in Article 1, Clause 1 that the Protectorate of Somaliland gained independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on June 26, 1960, and subsequently joined Somalia on July 1, 1960, to form the Somali Republic. However, the Somaliland Conference held in Burco from April 27 to May 15, 1991, made the decision to regain independence. As per the Constitution, Somaliland is now recognized as an independent country with the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of a sovereign nation, and is officially named the “Republic of Somaliland”.
Article 12, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland grants the Government the authority to exercise control over real estate or immovable property. This includes the power to engage in various transactions such as renting, leasing, exchanging for equivalent value, or making any other lawful disposal of such property.
The benefits of the Republic of Somaliland encompass various aspects, including the long-awaited international recognition that has been pursued for 32 years. Additionally, there are significant economic, commercial, and security advantages associated with the status of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland hereby issues the following statement:
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland wholeheartedly endorses and appreciates the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 01/01/2024 in Addis Ababa between President Muse Bihi of Somaliland and Prime Minister Dr. Abiya Ahmed of Ethiopia. This agreement marks a momentous triumph for both nations, signifying a historic milestone in their bilateral relations.
The Council expresses gratitude to the Federal Government of Ethiopia, as it becomes the first country to recognize the sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Council affirms to the international community that Somaliland is an independent nation, possessing full control over its land, sea, and air. It further emphasizes that the Republic of Somaliland has the authority to enter into agreements with any party that aligns with the national interest, in accordance with Article 12, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Council strongly condemns the statements and actions of the Government of Somalia regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Government of Ethiopia. The Council emphatically urges the Government of Somalia to refrain from engaging in such matters.
The Council hereby notifies the international community that the recent statements originating from Somalia contradict the previously established agreements between the Republic of Somaliland and the Government of Somalia. These agreements include the ones reached in Ankara in April 2012, London in June 2012, Ankara in April 2013, Istanbul in July 2013, Istanbul in January 2014, Dịibouti in December 2014, Istanbul in March 2015, Ankara in April 2016, Djibouti in June 2020, and Djibouti in December 2023. All of these agreements explicitly emphasized the importance of preserving the continuity of agreements, investments, economic development, and international donations without disruption.
The Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland issues a stern warning to any individual or entity that attempts to disrupt or oppose the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the governments of the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Republic of Ethiopia on 01/01/ 2024. The Council affirms its commitment to take appropriate action against such entities or individuals.
The Council expresses its deep appreciation to the people of Somaliland for their warm reception and support towards the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the President of Somaliland and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. The Council acknowledges that such positive engagement from the people is crucial for the continued progress and development of the Republic of Somaliland.
The Council urges governments worldwide to demonstrate the courage and wisdom to recognize the Republic of Somaliland, following the example set by the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. The Council emphasizes that such recognition would contribute to regional stability, security, and the advancement of democratic principles in the Horn of Africa.
By M.A. Egge
In the last 24 hours, the international media has been commenting a lot and written much about the MoU reached and signed by the President of the Republic of Somaliland and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi and H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed respectively aimed at leasing to Ethiopia 20km of seashore along the Somaliland coastline, a move which in turn gets the Ethiopian government to be the first country in the international world of nations to justifiably accord the country its fully fledged, dejure, recognition.
This has all along the main dream that kept the nation’s flame of aspirations going.
The world media captured the historical understanding reached by the Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian press has emphasized the mutual understanding between the two countries, which they described as a historic one in the direction of development and cooperation between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The newspapers Addis Standard and The Reporter, said that this understanding, which will soon be changed to an official agreement, has been exchanged by Somaliland for the sea route it leases to Ethiopia, so that the Ethiopian government will be the first country to recognize an independent country as the “Republic of Somaliland.”
Also, Addis Standard and The Reporter, said that the preliminary understanding reached by the Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia stipulates that the highest priority should be given to the cooperation between the two sides, especially in matters of security, trade and diplomacy, which they described as one which would play a positive role in the development of the Horn of Africa.
France 24 television, the famous Bloomberg newspaper, said that the agreement has become an encouragement and realization of a wide cooperation between the Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia, which leads to the diplomatic relations between the two sides reaching the highest level.
The news agency of Reuters, said that this understanding will benefit Somaliland to get the recognition it wanted from Ethiopia, and quoted the President of Somaliland H.E. Musa Bihi Abdi saying, “We have agreed with Ethiopia that it would to be the first country to sign the official agreement to recognize Somaliland.”
Reuters further noted that the Minister of Interior Hon. Mohamed Kahin Ahmed has chided Somalia’s remarks on its position following the Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement hence pointed out that they had no legal rights whatoever to claim that Somaliland is part of Somalia hence said, he said, “I urge Somalia to apologize for its claim that Somaliland is part of Somalia.”
On the other hand, the historic agreement was highlighted and put in the limelight by other media power houses such asthe BBC, VOA, The Guardian and Akhbaarul-Aalam, which reported on the magnitude of the historic MoU.
Indeed this preliminary agree is historic as much as one which will open a new chapter of development and progress in the region of traditional partners.
In the last forty-eight hours throughout Somaliland, there has been a lot of talk about the historic agreement in the city of Addis Ababa, between the governments of Somaliland and Ethiopia, which contributes highly to the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade and cooperation.
The enthusiastic discussion of this issue has led to the fact that every gathering place such as public transport, tea places and every place where the community of Somaliland meets, they dwell on the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which the people have greatly welcomed.
Some of the people of Hargeisa who spoke to the media noted that it was high time that the agreement has come for Somaliland to take advantage of its marine resources, as it strives to make its society prosper having not been recognized as a sovereign state for over three decades while the country was steadily progressing.
The people generally celebrated the development and profusely and congratulated the president and his delegation in Ethiopia on the cooperation agreement they signed in Ethiopia.
The community living in Hargeisa described the statements made by the authorities and the people of Somalia as timely and should supported to the hilt.
They called for the nation to unite and rally behind the cause of successful development for the good of the people and the nation at large.
The former UK Foreign Secretary, Zac Goldsmith, urged the British government to recognize the cause of the Republic of Somaliland, as the condition was that the first country to recognize JSL should be African.
“This matter (the understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia) is good news for the Government of Somaliland and its people. If I am the former UK Foreign Minister, it has always been clear to me that we will recognize the independence of Somaliland when an African country recognizes it. I hope that now the UK will act on the independence of Somaliland,” said Zac Goldsmith in a post on his X (Twitter).
Meanwhile MP Gavin Williamson from the British Parliament had earlier on said he was happy that Ethiopia would “be the first country in Africa to declare ‘Recognition of Somaliland’”.
MP Gavin Williamson who is a big supporter of the Somaliland issue, and previously presented a motion related to the recognition of Somaliland in the UK Parliament, said on his X (Twitter) how impressed he was with the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
The MP also argued that the UK has not done anything on the issue of Somaliland for a long time.