A political analyst, Andrew Korybko, emphasizes the diplomatic masterstroke embedded in the historic agreement, signed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland’s President Muse Bihi Abdi.
By granting recognition to Somaliland, Ethiopia not only peacefully resolves its port dilemma but also averts impending domestic and regional problems.
Korybko asserts that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) leads to Ethiopia’s neighbors reconsidering previous refusals to lease commercial-military ports, potentially creating more regional connectivity corridors and attracting foreign investment.
Korybko’s article sheds light on Ethiopia’s strategic move to join BRICS on the same day as signing the MoU with Somaliland, reducing the likelihood of opposition from fellow UNSC members Russia and China.
This multi-pronged diplomatic strategy aligns with Ethiopia’s broader vision for regional connectivity and economic growth. Korybko commends Ethiopia’s diplomatic triumph, stating that the agreement will unlock the country’s geo-economic potential and preemptively avert future problems linked to its landlocked status. He emphasizes that the physical re-establishment of the Ethiopian Navy will not only secure maritime logistics but also stabilize the region.
Korybko envisions mutual benefits, stating that Somaliland will profit from facilitating Ethiopia’s global trade through the modernized port of Berbera. This bilateral collaboration is poised to pioneer a new connectivity corridor in the Horn of Africa, potentially attracting more foreign investment.
Highlighting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s pragmatic proposal, Korybko encourages other nations to explore similar deals with Ethiopia. This collaborative approach, he argues, optimizes regional connectivity and fosters an environment conducive to attracting foreign investment. As Ethiopia takes significant strides towards securing its maritime aspirations, the geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa stands poised for positive transformation.
