Issue No 631

Published 05 Jan 2024

Effects of Ethiopia-Somalia Diplomatic Row on South West State

Published on 05 Jan 2024 16:45 min

Resolve your diplomatic dispute peacefully, IGAD tells Somalia, Ethiopia
The Star is a daily online newspaper published in Nairobi, Kenya

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has weighed in on the diplomatic row between Somalia and Ethiopia, calling for an amicable resolution of the dispute. The dispute between the two countries sparked off on 1 January, following the signing of a port deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia. IGAD’s executive secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, on 3 January expressed his “deep concern” over the developments. “IGAD is diligently monitoring the situation and recognises the potential implications for regional stability,” reads the statement. Gebeyehu noted that IGAD remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and regional integration.


Somalia faults IGAD executive statement demands apology
Goobjoog News is a Somali news website based in Mogadishu

The Federal Government of Somalia has faulted a statement by the IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu regarding the relations between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In an official statement, Somalia said the comments by the Executive Secretary fall short of condemning the Ethiopian Government of violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia contrary to the fundamental principles of the UN, AU, IGAD and international law. The Federal Government of Somalia called upon the Executive Secretary to immediately apologize, withdraw the statement and take appropriate action.


Somalia’s president speaks with Egyptian counterpart
Somali Guardian is a news website based in Somalia and covering East Africa

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on 3 January spoke with Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi by phone amid escalating tensions with Ethiopia over a sea access deal with Somaliland.


OIC General Secretariat Expresses Solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia
Shabelle Media Network is an independent media house based in Mogadishu

Against the backdrop of its commitment to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Member States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for Partnership and Cooperation between the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland on 1 January 2024, the OIC General Secretariat expressed rejection of any act violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. It stressed the need to respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and safeguard the region’s security, peace and stability.


US voices concern about tensions sparked by Somaliland-Ethiopia sea access deal
Somali Guardian is a news website based in Somalia and covering East Africa

The United States on 3 January expressed concern about escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa over a recent pact Ethiopia signed with Somaliland, which would grant Addis Ababa access to 20 kilometres of land leased along the Red Sea.


Qatari Amir and Somali President discuss bilateral relations, regional and global issues
Shabelle Media Network is an independent media house based in Mogadishu

The Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani spoke by phone with the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, according to a statement posted on social media by the Qatar News Network. They also discussed prominent regional and global issues.


Mogadishu Residents Demonstrate against Somaliland-Ethiopia Agreement
Somali Dispatch is a news website covering Somalia and Somaliland

A demonstration organized by the Banadir Administration took place in Mogadishu attended by federal ministers and parliamentarians, officials from the Banadir Administration, and capital residents. The demonstration was intended to express opposition to the actions of the Ethiopian government and the agreement it reached with Somaliland on 1 January.

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