The purpose of this MOU is to foster neighborly partnership and cooperation between

The Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the Republic of Somaliland. This is nothing but an economic and security venture; intended for the two nations to develop and grow together economically. This deal will grant Ethiopia access to the sea. In the MOU Somaliland will lease a twenty-kilometer stretch of its coastline to the neighbouring Ethiopia which is landlocked, and the duration of the deal is fifty years. Ethiopia in return will be the first nation to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.

This agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland does have all the hallmarks of a WIN – WIN situation, and there is a consensus worldwide that the MOU demonstrates an example of sound economic cooperation, that both countries will benefit economically from.

In order for the Federal Republic of Ethiopia to take a giant leap to realize economic prosperity, it must have access to a seaport. As for the Republic of Somaliland, the quest for international recognition has been her primary objective.

The experts of Ethiopia and Somaliland are currently hashing out the details of the MOU which are expected to be concluded shortly. That said, the aspiration of Ethiopia to realize economic prosperity along with Somaliland's quest for international recognition will surely come to fruition.In a letter forwarded to the United Nations, the Federal Republic of Ethiopia clearly explained -the purpose of the MOU to the world body and had this to say: -

"The MOU is a framework to further enhance existing areas of cooperation, understanding, reciprocity, and peaceful engagement. Ethiopia’s longstanding relationship with Somaliland, including all arrangements created to foster our ties, is in line with international norms and practice. The MOU covering several areas of cooperation, trade, investment, agriculture, health, security, education, energy, and infrastructure is the continuation of existing practice in bilateral relations with Somaliland.”

However, some countries in the region only resorted to tacit approval, while other countries are sounding the drum of fearmongering. The Federal Republic of Somalia is strongly opposing the MOU, by citing a violation of its sovereignty, claiming that Somaliland is part of Somalia, even though Somaliland separated from Somalia in 1991 when it restored its independence in May of 1991. The president of the Federal Republic of Somalia has been recently undertaking an aggressive diplomatic campaign; accusing Ethiopia in ceding part of its maritime. Unfortunately, all efforts of Somalia’s marshaling support from its allies failed to bring any soothing comfort for her, and the port deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia will be finalized in the coming weeks. Let us catch a little glimpse of Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Somalia, including the ramifications the MOU may have on each country.

1. The Federal Republic of Ethiopia

With a population of 120 million, Ethiopia is transforming into an economic superpower in Africa, but economic development is held back due to a lack of direct access to a seaport. Currently, Ethiopia relies on Djibouti for imports and exports of goods; about 95% of Ethiopian trade goes through the port of Djibouti. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abey Ahmed is mindful that the costs involved in relying on one port are very expensive and difficult to sustain. In addition, dependence on one port is not a sound economic policy due to security volatility in the region.

The Ethiopian government is currently pursuing a policy of diversifying its maritime needs to secure alternative Maritime access. The port of Berbera in Somaliland appears as an alternative strategic solution and that is why Ethiopia signed the MOU with Somaliland.

The economic outlook of Ethiopia is very promising. The International Monetary recently forecasted the Ethiopian economy will expand by 13.5% in 2023. The neighboring countries can benefit from Ethiopia’s rapidly growing economy. The Horn of Africa has huge potential for economic growth through economic integration.

1. The Federal Republic of Somalia

The government of Somalia reacted strongly against the MOU between The Federal Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland, claiming that Ethiopia was annexing a part of Somalia. The president of Somalia stated that the actions of Ethiopia are a direct violation of the sovereignty of Somalia, and that his government will defend the country by any means necessary. The President continued to criticize the MOU signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland referencing regional authority over Somaliland – alluding that Somaliland is nothing but part of Somalia – and that Ethiopia wants to both annex and eventually change the borders of Somalia. The President of Somalia claims his government categorically objected to these malicious intentions of Ethiopia.

The President of Somalia is out of touch with reality. The regional authority he alludes to prevailing over is not Somalia, but in fact Somaliland, and he continues to claim that it is a part of Somalia. Somaliland separated from Somalia when it restored its independence on May 18^th, 1991, and will never go back to Somalia. The failed state of Somalia is beating its chest like the giant gorilla silverback, its ongoing ominous warning and antagonizations to Ethiopia are nothing but empty rhetoric. The Somali government does not even control the whole country of Somalia; it only controls Mogadishu, with the rest controlled by Al-Shabaab insurgents. It is absurd that the President of Somalia continues to threaten Ethiopia when there are thousands of Ethiopian soldiers inside Somalia, helping maintain security alongside the Somali government to fight Al-Shabaab. Mogadishu was unable to conduct ‘one man one vote’ and still claims that Somaliland is part of Somalia.

Based on the economic development of a country, the nations of the world are divided into two groups: the developed world, and the less developed world, or the third world. I wonder if the Federal Republic of Somalia qualifies for the rank of third world, maybe something less than the third world. It is worth questioning if Somalia qualifies to even be ranked as the fourth World.

According to Some international Organizations the Federal Republic of Somalia was identified as the most corrupt country/nation in the world. Even though Somalia is recognized internationally, it is considered as the least country like a country. It ranks number one on the Fragile States Index. It is a dysfunctional state and barely exists. The country sits at the bottom of nearly every international benchmark. The way the Somali politicians run the government is a scam built on massive corruption. This is an utter disservice to the citizens of Somalia. These government officials entrusted to manage the meager resources of the country, are suffering from cancerous internal moral rot. Therefore, one can conclude that the Federal Republic of Somalia should focus its effort towards putting its house in order, before making false declarations and claims that Somaliland is part of the failed state of Somalia.

1. The Republic of Somaliland

Notwithstanding the hyperbole of diplomatic outcry coming from Somalia, the MOU between Ethiopia and Somaliland has created an immense commotion in the region. It raised the lingering issue of Somaliland’s quest for recognition which is gaining some measure of both regional and international relevance.

The international community can no longer ignore the ongoing progress of Somaliland. It is an entity that works, despite its meager economy. All government organs are functioning adequately. Stability and peace are prevailing throughout the country, while Somalia has failed to assume the security of the country outside Mogadishu. In Somaliland, democracy is flourishing through a multi-party system. Elections were held at the presidential, parliamentarian, and municipal levels. On November 13, 2017, the Economist explained why Somaliland is the strongest democracy in East Africa and had this to say.

"In this context, tiny Somaliland stands out. On November 13, 2017, the citizens of this internationally unrecognized state will elect a president in what is expected to be its sixth peaceful, competitive, and relatively clean vote since 2001. This unparalleled record makes it the strongest democracy in the region.”

Conclusion

Finally, the commitment of Somaliland’s quest for international recognition is unwavering.What is equally unwavering, is the sacred right of Somaliland to develop its country and enter economic agreements with its neighboring country. The Federal Republic of Ethiopia smartly identified a critical major ingredient its missing to realize its economic potential. The need to access a sea outlet, considered as an existential requirement to better manage its expanding economy.

The government of Somaliland did not waste time to consider this glaring positive opportunity, and immediately commenced negotiations with Ethiopia. Consequently, the two governments reached a mutual agreement. Ethiopia needs access to seaports and Somaliland needs recognition. Finally, the memorandum of understanding was signed on January 1, 2024.

By: Adam Mohamed Egeh "Mardaadi”

[email protected]

Monday, February 27, 2024