Seaport Access Deal Between Ethiopia and Somaliland: A Bold Move Against Interference

 

Historically, recurrent interference in the internal affairs of Ethiopia was perpetrated by Egypt. Undermining the sovereignty of and unending destabilization of progress in Ethiopia, therefore, marked the consistent deeds of Egypt toward that country, with the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as the most current hotspot. While the consistent negation by Egypt of the right of Ethiopia to a fair and just share of the waters of the Nile River is well documented, their interference does not stop here.

The recent, key step in taping the economic potential taken by Ethiopia was the signing of an MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland with regard to access to seaports. With over 120 million people, Ethiopia is a landlocked country for whom securing seaports is substantial in facilitating imports that drive economic growth and exports. The deal with Somaliland is strategic and is likely to boost the country's global trade capabilities while improving the regional ties.

This positive development has, however, not escaped the attention of external elements with vested interests in seeing Ethiopia destabilized. Chief among them is Egypt, that has been nipping at the bud of the Ethiopia-Somaliland deal. Instead of respecting the sovereign decisions of both Ethiopia and Somaliland, Egypt chose to fan tensions and spread false information to drive a wedge between the two.

It has similarly emerged that Somaliland recognizes the huge potential in its relations with Ethiopia, hence is ready to fight against such divisive tactics. The Ministry of Information of Somaliland reiterated to The Ethiopian Herald in an exclusive interview that they were committed to tightening the relationship between the two countries, despite a smear campaign orchestrated by those hell-bent on fracturing this partnership. Somaliland's leaders have said they will not let themselves be turned into a battleground for great geopolitical powers, much less ones hostile to Ethiopia.

According to Director General Mustafe of the Somaliland Ministry of Information, Somaliland has no ambition to be used as a tool against Ethiopia. After all, the friendship between the two nations was founded on a deep history, and at one time, Ethiopia gave Somalilanders a place to hide during the most brutal regime under Mohammed Siad Barre. At these bad times, the people of Ethiopia and Somaliland became dependent upon each other and stood together.

Somaliland has the right to self-determination, free from any external interference. In counter-attacking these propagandistic machinations mounted against the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement, Somaliland is fighting for its sovereignty and reaffirming its commitment toward stability and prosperity for Ethiopia. As the leadership of Somaliland maintains, the security and well-being of Ethiopia are closely aligned with their own, and they will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with their Ethiopian brothers and sisters against any propagandistic schema targeting them in disdain.

In brief, the Ethiopia-Somaliland seaport access deal positioned itself at a high point in the relations between these two countries. It is evidence of the firmness of their partnership on so many counts and their common commitment to stability and economic growth in the region. Despite all the headwinds from forces hellbent on damaging progress, Ethiopia and Somaliland stood firm in setting the path toward building a better future free of interference and founded on mutual respect.