The Chairman of the African Union Commission has called for calm and mutual respect between Ethiopia and Somalia to resolve tensions peacefully. In a statement today, Moussa Faki Mahamat urged the neighboring countries to refrain from any actions that could deteriorate their good relations.
The tensions stem from a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland in December. Under the agreement, Ethiopia will gain permanent access to ports in Somaliland to use as naval and commercial bases in the Gulf of Aden.
In exchange, Ethiopia agreed to consider supporting Somaliland's efforts to gain international recognition as an independent state. However, Somalia views the entire territory of Somaliland as part of its own under international law.
Tensions escalated further yesterday after Somalia condemned a statement by the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), claiming it favored Ethiopia. Somalia demanded an apology, saying the IGAD statement omitted reference to the MoU, which Somalia considers a violation of its sovereignty.
Faki Mahamat stressed the importance of respecting the unity, territorial integrity, and full sovereignty of all AU member states, including Ethiopia and Somalia. He underscored the need to adhere to norms of good neighborliness to promote peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
The chairman urged the two countries to immediately engage in negotiations to settle their differences regarding the MoU and implications for Somalia's borders. His statement aims to de-escalate tensions between the neighboring allies over the port access deal.