Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s unwavering support for the unity of Somali territories and the complete sovereignty of Somalia over its entire land at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda. These statements come after Somaliland agreed to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of its coastline to Ethiopia for 50 years in early January. Ethiopia, seeking to establish a naval base and a commercial port in the area, aims to secure access to the Red Sea, a crucial waterway for global trade. The Somali foreign ministry stated on Thursday, 18 January, that there is no room for mediation unless Ethiopia reverses its illegal and controversial agreement with Somaliland. The condition set for mediation includes Ethiopia retracting the deal and affirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, informed Arab foreign ministers that the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland reflects Ethiopia’s intentions that could jeopardize Arab national security. Barre addressed an emergency Arab League foreign ministers meeting, requested by Somalia to discuss the deal signed on 1 January. Somalia contends that the agreement violates international law and infringes upon its sovereignty. Shoukry expressed…
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Raises Concerns Over Ethiopia’s Activities in the Horn of Africa
January 20, 2024
