Somali President Supports Ethiopia's Peaceful Pursuit of Sea Access, Urges Dialogue
In a significant and diplomatic move, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has offered a nuanced perspective on Ethiopia's quest for maritime access, stating that he supports the country's right to pursue its interests peacefully and in accordance with international law. In an interview with a Saudi television channel, President Mohamud’s comments marked a shift in tone from the recent heightened tensions between the two Horn of Africa nations, particularly following Ethiopia's controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the self-declared republic of Somaliland.
President Mohamud’s remarks are a powerful affirmation that a nation's pursuit of its strategic interests is a recognized aspect of international relations. He stated that "Ethiopia's maritime interests are not new within the framework of international law," a comment that acknowledges the historical and economic drivers behind Ethiopia’s long-standing desire for a sovereign port. This perspective is crucial, as it separates the legitimacy of Ethiopia's goal from the specific and contentious method it chose to pursue it.
Crucially, the Somali President emphasized that any country, including Ethiopia, has the right to pursue its interests, provided it "respects international laws and regional agreements." This key qualifier serves as a clear yet diplomatic reminder that while the end goal may be legitimate, the means must not violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. This is a direct reference to Somalia's primary concern with the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU, which it views as a violation of its sovereignty and a threat to regional stability.
Mohamud also expressed hope that Ethiopia can achieve its maritime ambitions through "peaceful and diplomatic channels." This call for dialogue and negotiation is a central tenet of Somalia's stance and is a clear invitation for Ethiopia to resolve the current impasse through established diplomatic frameworks rather than unilateral actions. He highlighted that countries with shared security and economic interests in the Red Sea region have called for "dialogue, understanding, and cooperation to create mutual agreements that bring stability and serve all."
This statement reaffirms Somalia's consistent position that disagreements should be resolved through negotiation, not confrontation. By publicly supporting Ethiopia's right to seek sea access while simultaneously reinforcing the principles of sovereignty and international law, President Mohamud is attempting to de-escalate the situation and open the door for constructive talks. The message is clear: Somalia is not against Ethiopia's maritime aspirations in principle, but it firmly opposes any agreement that bypasses its authority over its territory.
This diplomatic overture could be a crucial step toward finding a negotiated solution that respects both nations’ interests and avoids further conflict in an already fragile region.
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