U.S. Expresses Concerns Over Somaliland-Ethiopia Agreement

The White House has articulated its opposition to the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia, citing apprehensions that the accord may contribute to regional instability and impede international counterterrorism initiatives.

John Kirby, the coordinator of strategic communications for the National Security Council, emphasized the potential disruption to efforts against al-Shabab, highlighting ongoing collaboration with regional partners such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc.

He affirmed that the U.S. government is actively engaging with these entities to oppose the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, signed on January 1, outlines arrangements for Ethiopia to establish a naval base on Somaliland’s coast in exchange for formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.

In response, Somalia has conveyed a threat of war to prevent Ethiopia from recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty and has called upon the international community to annul the agreement.