Ethiopia-Somaliland Pact Triggers Emergency Arab League Meeting

Tuesday 16 January 2024 - 09:45

In response to a contentious pact between Ethiopia and Somaliland, the Arab League has swiftly convened an emergency meeting scheduled for next week. Chaired by Morocco, this high-level gathering will unite foreign ministers to address the potential repercussions of the diplomatic move.

The urgency of the situation prompted the Arab League to announce a critical video conference in a statement on Sunday, emphasizing the gravity of the matter. The League Council level session will primarily focus on deliberating the aftermath of the memorandum of understanding, which Ethiopia and the breakaway Somaliland region "illegally" signed.

Earlier this month, Somalia formally approached the League, requesting an emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers to examine the implications of the deal. This agreement grants Ethiopia rights to exploit an area located 20 kilometers northwest of Somalia along the Red Sea coast, and designates a port and military base in Somaliland for Ethiopian use.

The ambassador of Somalia to Egypt and the League denounced the pact as a "blatant violation" of his country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He argued that it not only poses a threat to Arab security in the Red Sea but also signifies an overt attempt to undermine Somalia's sovereignty, independence, and unity.

Emphasizing the importance of upholding good neighborly principles, the envoy stressed the need to strengthen peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa. He cautioned that Ethiopia's unilateral move could further destabilize the already tense situation in the region.

The upcoming meeting reflects the escalating concern within the Arab League regarding Ethiopia-Somaliland ties. The League aims to formulate a unified response to this controversial agreement that Somalia insists violates its sovereignty. This emergency session underscores apprehensions about regional stability and Red Sea security amidst Ethiopia's bold diplomatic maneuver.