Strong Statement on Somalia-Ethiopia Agreement: Key Points and Possible Implications
the Members of Parliament call upon the African Union, IGAD, and the United Nations to urgently intervene, urging the cessation of hostilities and the immediate cancellation of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding of Partnerships and Cooperation’ by the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.
Members of Parliament from North Eastern Kenya have voiced profound reservations regarding an agreement that entails leasing a 20km stretch of seaport access to Ethiopian Naval forces for a duration of 50 years in return for international recognition.
In response to recent political developments in the Horn of Africa, particularly the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation and Partnership between the Somaliland region of Somalia and the Federal Government of Ethiopia, Members of Parliament from North Eastern Kenya have expressed deep concerns. The agreement involves the leasing of a 20km stretch of seaport access to Ethiopian Naval forces for 50 years in exchange for international recognition.
Legislator Farah Maalim commented on the situation, stating, ‘The Members of Parliament from North Eastern Kenya are gravely concerned about the potential implications of this agreement on the stability of our region. We must ensure that historical chaos, conflict, and insecurity do not spill over into our territory, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good neighborliness.’
Maalim, echoing the sentiments of the legislative body, added, ‘The Ethiopian Government’s actions, entering into an agreement and establishing direct international relations with a region of Somalia, constitute a breach of the territorial integrity and abuse of the political independence of the State of Somalia. Ethiopia’s actions, despite commitments to international treaties, such as the UN Charter, the African Union Constitutive Act, and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, remain perplexing.’
Quoting Article 1(4) of the United Nations Charter, Maalim emphasized, ‘All members must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Additionally, Article 2(1) underscores the principle of sovereign equality among member states. The African Union Constitutive Act, in Article 3(b) and Article 4(a), further stresses the defense of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.’
The legislators argue that Ethiopia lacks diplomatic authorization concerning land lease or seaport access within Somali territory. They contend that only the State of Somalia possesses the international legal capacity to grant such permissions. They express concern that Ethiopia, seemingly aware of its jurisdictional limits, may be sowing discord among the Somali people to pursue a selfish agenda, despite Somalia’s efforts towards social and political cohesion.
Addressing Ethiopian counterparts, Maalim reminded them of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961, emphasizing the principles of sovereign equality, maintenance of international peace and security, and the promotion of friendly relations among nations.
To the Somaliland region, the legislators caution against conditional de-facto recognition based on granting seafront access, stressing that it is provisional and retrogressive. They urge adherence to international law and discourage actions that could strain relations among the Somali people.
Lastly, the Members of Parliament call upon the African Union, IGAD, and the United Nations to urgently intervene, urging the cessation of hostilities and the immediate cancellation of the ‘Memorandum of Understanding of Partnerships and Cooperation’ by the Federal Republic of Ethiopia.”
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