Somaliland Council of Ministers Statement on MOU with Ethiopia.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.