JidbaaleAs the issue between Somalia and Ethiopia over sea access deepens, Ethiopia’s prime minister on Thursday said his nation was seeking access to the Red Sea “through peaceful means.”
Speaking in the parliament where he was questioned by legislators, Abiy Ahmed said Ethiopia had a “clear stance” on the subject.
“Let the world hear today: Ethiopia maintains a clear national interest—it needs Red Sea access through peaceful means,” he added.
“If we do not succeed, our children will,” Abiy continued.
Somalia and Ethiopia have been immersed in a tense diplomatic conflict since Addis Ababa in January signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the self-proclaimed autonomous republic of Somaliland, a move Somalia perceives as intruding on its sovereignty.
Ethiopia and Somaliland defended the MOU, which, if executed, would provide Somaliland recognition from landlocked Ethiopia in exchange for the lease of nearly 20 kilometers of seashore, according to Somaliland authorities.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last month, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre claimed Somalia faced a “serious threat” from Ethiopia for negotiating a sea access pact with Somaliland.
Barre said Somali ports have always been available for Ethiopia’s legitimate trade interests but accused Ethiopia of having ulterior agendas.
“Ethiopia’s attempts to annex parts of Somalia under the guise of securing sea access are both unlawful and unnecessary,” Barre added.
Barre cautioned that Ethiopia’s stance and interaction with Somaliland might “embolden secessionist movements.”
Abiy on Thursday rejected any desire for annexation.
“When we signed the MOU with Somaliland, we requested a 99-year lease, but they didn’t agree, and we signed a 50-year lease agreement,” he stated.
“How can a 50-year lease be an annexation?” Abiy asked.
Abiy informed MPs that Ethiopia does not have any objective in Somalia other than access to the sea.
“Ethiopia is a nation that boasts the second-largest Somali population in the world next to Somalia. They are our brothers,” he continued.
Ethiopia has several thousand soldiers in Somalia aiding the government in its war against Islamist insurgents.
Somalia on Tuesday dismissed an Ethiopian ambassador, accusing him of participating in “activities incompatible with his diplomatic role.”
Somalia did not explain the conduct allegedly done by Ali Mohamed Adan, a counselor at Ethiopia’s embassy in Mogadishu, but claimed in a statement that they “constitute a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
Abiy did not remark on the expulsion of the diplomat during the session in Parliament.
This report originated in VOA’s Horn of Africa service.
