Somaliland, Ethiopia MoU Finalized, Formal Legal Agreement Imminent
Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Essa Kayd, has informed international diplomats that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia “is finalized, and a formal legal agreement is imminent.”
The Somaliland Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Dr. Kayd addressed the international diplomatic missions in Hargeisa, providing updates on significant regional issues. This comes after the announcement in February this year that Somaliland was “on course without any wavering, and remain seized” of the implementation of the MoU. The announcement also stated that a technical team, a team of international legal experts and a high-level advisory group to advise and guide the process has been appointed.
While Ethiopia has been largely quiet about any practical progress on the MoU, in a resolution issued in January, members of both the Executive and the Central Committee of the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) said that the party has decided to bring the MoU “to a practical agreement” while simultaneously giving attention to the principles of give and take to secure additional options to port access with other neighboring countries. The ruling party maintained the MoU was a testament to “Ethiopia’s position for regional economic and cultural ties.”
Regional Tensions
Two rounds of talks facilitated by Türkiye aimed at easing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have concluded without an outcome. The tensions between the two neighboring countries have since peaked momentum, leaving a trace of doubts on the likelihood of a third round of talk.
Dr. Kayd expressed the Somaliland government’s deep concerns regarding the presence of Egyptian military forces in neighboring Somalia. In July this year, Somalia’s cabinet formally approved the implementation of a defense agreement with Egypt, finalizing a deal shrouded in secrecy since its signing in January 2024. Egypt has since sent military officers and heavy equipment to Mogadishu, Somalia as part of a bigger deployment that media reports said could involve up to 10,000 Egyptian soldiers in Somalia. This move was met with a warning from the Ethiopian government that the transition from the African Union transition mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to a new peace support mission is “fraught with dangers” to the region.
Ethiopia also warned that it “cannot stand idle while other actors are taking measures to destabilize the region.” Ethiopia is vigilantly monitoring developments in the region that could threaten its national security, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Egypt’s decision to deploy its forces further complicated not only regional dynamics, but also relations within Somali political actors. This week, Somali MPs from the South West State opposed the deal between Somalia and Egypt, warning it could lead to a “dangerous situation” in the region.
The MPs issued a statement calling for careful consideration of international agreements. They warned that certain agreements could “bring the ‘Nile issue’ to Somalia” and potentially “lead to a war in the Horn of Africa.”
Dr. Kayd said the deployment of Egyptian forces in Somalia “is contributing to proxy conflicts in the region.”
Somaliland Closes Egyptian Cultural Library
Earlier today, Dr. Kayd announced that the Somaliland government “has decided to permanently close the “Egyptian Cultural Library” in Hargeisa due to serious security concerns. All staff have been ordered to leave the country within 72 hours.”
The MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland, if formalized, could have significant implications for the region and beyond. The recent developments, including the heightened tensions and the closing of the Egyptian Cultural Library, suggest the complexities and challenges surrounding the implementation of the agreement.
It remains to be seen how these developments will ultimately impact the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. The situation warrants close monitoring, as the future of the region is intertwined with the outcome of the complex negotiations and the subsequent actions of the involved parties.
