AU, US call for calm amid rising tensions between Somalia – Ethiopia 

In the wake of a disputed agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, the African Union (AU) and the United States have jointly appealed for calm in the Horn of Africa.

Recall that the memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed between Ethiopia and the want-away Somaliland on Monday, grants Ethiopia, the second-most populous country in Africa, access to the Red Sea through Somaliland. 

Somalia has vehemently opposed the deal, describing it as an “aggression” and a “blatant assault” on its sovereignty by neighboring Ethiopia.

In a swift reaction to douse tensions, the AU Commission chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat issued a statement urging “calm and mutual respect” to de-escalate tensions, emphasising the need for prompt negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia to settle their differences.

Faki stressed the importance of refraining from actions that could unintentionally worsen relations between the two neighboring Eastern African nations. 

The statement underscored the imperative to respect the unity, territorial integrity, and full sovereignty of all AU member states.

Somaliland, a former British protectorate with a population of about 4.5 million, declared independence from Somalia in 1991, a move not internationally recognised and opposed by Mogadishu. 

The United States, rejecting international recognition for the separatist region, echoed the call for diplomatic dialogue to address the escalating crisis.

The comprehensive agreement, signed in Addis Ababa, provides Ethiopia with access to commercial maritime services and a military base. 

Somaliland, in return, leases 20 kilometers (12 miles) of coastline to Ethiopia for 50 years. 

Somaliland’s leader, Muse Bihi Abdi, claimed that Ethiopia will “fully recognise” Somaliland as a sovereign nation plus a stake in the nation’s flag carrier – Ethiopian Airlines in exchange.