Thursday 22, August 2024 {HMC} Somali Foreign Minister, Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, has accused Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of attempting to provoke conflict in the Horn of Africa to divert attention from his government’s internal challenges.**
In a briefing on Wednesday with department directors and senior advisors at the ministry’s headquarters in Mogadishu, Minister Fiqi reaffirmed Somalia’s firm stance against any threats to its unity and sovereignty, particularly those with expansionist motives. He warned that such actions could lead to widespread violence and instability across the region.
Minister Fiqi also addressed the Türkiye-mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, emphasizing Somalia’s sincere intentions, driven by its strong relationship with Türkiye. He expressed gratitude to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan for their significant efforts in promoting regional peace and security.
“I want to clarify that Somalia is only open to commercially beneficial agreements with Ethiopia. We will not permit access to the sea on military or sovereign terms, nor will we allow any military presence, whether long-term or short-term,” Minister Fiqi stated. He stressed that any agreements with Ethiopia must align with international laws, customs, and treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently reiterated Somalia’s position, refusing to negotiate with Ethiopia until Addis Ababa formally recognizes Somalia as an independent and sovereign state. He attributed the recent collapse of negotiations in Ankara to Ethiopia’s refusal to acknowledge Somalia’s sovereignty.
Earlier this year, Ethiopia signed a memorandum with the breakaway region of Somaliland, seeking access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland and establishing a naval base. However, Somalia legally annulled the agreement and recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining its territorial integrity.
