As tension mounts between Ethiopia and Somalia, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) expresses deep concern, which is immediately opposed by the Federal Government of Somalia.
Reacting to IGAD, the Federal Government of Somalia “strongly opposes the recent statement from the Executive Secretary of IGAD, deeming it biased towards the Ethiopian Government. We call on the Executive Secretary to immediately apologize, withdraw the statement and take appropriate action.”
“…The statement unfortunately falls short of condemning the Ethiopian Government of violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia contrary to the fundamental principles of the UN, AU, IGAD and other international laws,” stated the statement of the Foreign Ministry of Somalia.
The controversy began after the Government of Ethiopia and Somaliland announced on Monday by signing a Memorandum of understanding that allows the former to have a naval base and access to the Red Sea.
“The Executive Secretary of IGAD Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu expresses deep concern regarding recent developments in relations between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS). IGAD is diligently monitoring the situation and recognizes the potential implications for regional stability,” IGAD said in a statement.
“Given the circumstances, the Executive Secretary urges IGAD leaders to be seized, and appeals to the two sisterly countries to collaborate towards a peaceful and amicable resolution of the situation, upholding the shared values that unite the IGAD family,” it said.
The FGS unequivocally rejects #Ethiopia's unauthorized MOU with #Somaliland (the northern regions of Somalia)on Jan 1 in #AddisAbaba.As per to our constitution & international laws, Somaliland is an integral part of #Somalia.Upholding peace & stability in the region is paramount. pic.twitter.com/NdHHgPJvWU
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇸🇴 (@MOFASomalia) January 2, 2024