Friday 15 March, 2024 {HMC} The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland, Dr. Isse Kayd Mohamud, currently in France, has announced that Somaliland and Ethiopia are in the final stages of formalizing their understanding.
Dr. Mohamud emphasized that while two articles of the agreement are public knowledge, it is hoped that the people of Somaliland will endorse the agreement without reservations. He stated, “The known provisions of the agreement include conditions such as Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland, which would enable the establishment of a naval base. Additionally, Ethiopia commits to directing a minimum of 10% of its trade towards Somaliland, with an anticipated increase to 30% in the near future. This strategic partnership is envisioned to evolve over the next year, ensuring mutual benefits.”
Reflecting on Ethiopia’s pivotal role, Dr. Mohamud remarked, “Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland holds significant regional implications. Notably, Ethiopia’s support marks a pivotal milestone as no other African nation has extended such recognition thus far. This underscores the exceptional nature of our relationship.”
Highlighting the ongoing negotiations, Dr. Mohamud acknowledged the evolving nature of the agreement, emphasizing the technical committees’ diligent efforts from both sides. He explained, “While progress has been made, technical committees are meticulously refining the agreement. Various aspects, including timelines and modalities of payment, are subject to discussion and refinement.”
Dr. Mohamud dismissed speculation regarding a hurried agreement following the Djibouti conference, clarifying that discussions between Somaliland and Ethiopia have been ongoing for the past four months. He underscored the substantial groundwork laid during this period.
In recent days, the Somaliland delegation tasked with negotiating the agreement has conducted extensive visits to coastal regions, engaging with communities in Berbera, El Sheikh, Borama, Lughaya, and other key areas. These interactions aim to ensure that local perspectives are integral to the negotiation process.
