he Somali government has expressed its appreciation for the concerns raised by the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Italy regarding the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding signed in Addis Ababa in January 2024.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining open dialogue channels, the G7 communiqué encourages both Ethiopia and the Federal Government of Somalia to prevent further escalation. It urges them to collaborate with regional partners within the framework of the African Union and through bilateral contacts, in accordance with international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter.
During the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Capri, Italy, held from April 16 to 19, ministers emphasized their strong commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a statement, the Somali government reiterated its dedication to upholding peace and security in the region. Expressing eagerness to enhance collaboration with the G7 and other international partners, Somalia aims to ensure enduring peace and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
However, the Somali government emphasized that dialogue with Ethiopia would only be possible once Ethiopia revokes the illegal memorandum of understanding with the northern region of Somalia (Somaliland) and demonstrates full respect for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and the principle of non-interference.
Earlier this month, Somalia expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador amid rising tensions over a port deal dispute in the breakaway region of Somaliland.
The dispute arose after landlocked Ethiopia agreed to a memorandum of understanding on January 1 to lease 20km (12 miles) of coastline in Somaliland. Under the deal, the coastland around the port of Berbera, on the Gulf of Aden, will be used by Ethiopia for 50 years for military and commercial purposes.
