Ethiopia, a landlocked nation in the Horn of Africa, has taken a significant stride towards maritime accessibility by entering an initial agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region of Somalia, to leverage its strategic Berbera Port on the Red Sea. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office confirmed this milestone, highlighting the transformative potential for Ethiopia’s maritime trade dynamics.
Historically, Ethiopia has heavily depended on Djibouti, its neighboring country, for its maritime trade activities, a consequence of Eritrea’s 1993 secession from Addis Ababa post a protracted three-decade conflict. The recent memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopian and Somaliland representatives marks a pivotal moment in reshaping Ethiopia’s maritime connectivity.
Describing the accord as “historic,” Abiy articulated its multifaceted benefits, emphasizing enhanced security, economic vitality, and political collaboration between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This agreement aligns with Abiy’s prior assertions advocating Ethiopia’s rightful access to the Red Sea, a stance that garnered regional attention and discussions.
President Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland echoed Abiy’s sentiments, revealing Ethiopia’s intention to extend formal recognition to Somaliland as an independent entity in the foreseeable future. Beyond port utilization, the agreement facilitates Ethiopia’s engagement in commercial marine activities, leveraging a leased military base on the Red Sea, as highlighted by Redwan Hussien, Abiy’s national security adviser.
In a strategic reciprocity, Somaliland anticipates acquiring a stake in Ethiopia’s state-owned flagship carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, fostering mutual economic growth. Despite Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of autonomy from Somalia, it awaits comprehensive international acknowledgment, a sentiment contested by Somalia, which perceives Somaliland as an integral part of its sovereign territory.
Recent developments indicate a renewed diplomatic momentum between Somalia and Somaliland, with mediation initiatives spearheaded by Djibouti facilitating dialogues to address underlying territorial and political disputes, underscoring evolving regional dynamics.
