Somalia’s Deputy PM Slams Ethiopia for Allegedly Violating Sovereignty with Somaliland Deal at G77 Summit

Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmed Jama strongly criticizes Ethiopia for allegedly infringing upon sovereignty through a bilateral agreement with Somaliland at the G77 Summit.

In his address at the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China (G77+China), Saleh condemned Ethiopia’s actions, terming the agreement as a threat to regional peace and security.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed on January 1, 2024, between Ethiopia and Somaliland, grants Ethiopia a maritime access in Somaliland in exchange for potential future recognition of Somaliland’s independence by Ethiopia.

Deputy Prime Minister Saleh emphasized that this accord violates international law, customary law, and the United Nations charter, calling upon nations to support Somalia in opposing the encroachment on its sovereignty.

Additionally, he cautioned that the deal could destabilize the already fragile Horn of Africa, posing a risk to the security of vital trade routes such as the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb, urging Ethiopia to adhere to international laws.