The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland is extremely important as it contributes to the stability of the Horn of Africa, the President of Ethiopian Institute of Public Diplomacy in Sweden Yassin Ahmed said.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, the president noted that the MoU is very important because it meets Ethiopia’s ambition to find sea port and enables Somaliland to get shares in the Ethiopia Airlines.
Recall that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Musa Bihi signed the historic memorandum for partnership that benefits both sides on January 1, 2024.
The MoU is a culmination of the bilateral relations that have developed since 1991, especially since Ethiopia and the UAE signed an agreement to use the port of Berbera, Yassin said.
“I think Ethiopia is not the first and the only country that has agreements with Somaliland. Somaliland has agreements with the Emirates, Britain, many European countries, and many Arab and African countries. If it has relations with regional countries, then it is a matter of principle that Ethiopia and Somaliland, as neighbors, should have agreements.”
According to him, the agreement is not only a bilateral agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, but a memorandum of understanding with regional and international understandings behind it.
“In my view, there must be regional and international understandings to promote common interests and protect security and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.”
On the other hand, Yassin stated that Ethiopia, as a pivotal country in the Horn of Africa, has regional and international interests, in addition to the security of the Red Sea.
The president noted that there is an alliance to protect the Red Sea; and therefore eastern and western powers that have economic interests seek to protect the Red Sea because it represents 40 percent the global trade corridor.
Ensuring stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea is therefore crucial, and peace in the region will only be realized by meeting the ambitions and needs of actors, Ethiopia included, he elaborated.
Creating a maritime outlet for landlocked Ethiopia with some countries overlooking the sea is thus imperative, he added.
This guarantees regional interests of the Arabs and the Middle East as well as those of international and regional powers, he elaborated.
Economically speaking, Ethiopia would be able to reduce cost of trade and port service fee. With the entry of Ethiopia into the BRICS, where the economy is linked regionally and internationally investment will also increase, he stated.
From a political standpoint, the memorandum could be an indicator for the formation of a confederation of the Horn of Africa like the European Union and the Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway; as it will enable the countries of the Horn of Africa to deal as a unified bloc, the president said.
As for security, Ethiopia’s obtaining a sea port and establishing a military base in the Red Sea is a protection for regional security and common interests.
Yassin pointed out the presence of countries from afar converging in the region to protect their interests. “You see all the military bases in Djibouti. So, what is wrong if Ethiopia builds military base in Somaliland to protect its economic interest?”
The president underscored that “Ethiopia, as the largest country in the Horn of Africa and the headquarters of the African Union, must have a base to protect its economic interests and the interests of the countries of the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia will have a role in maintaining regional security and international peace.”
He stressed the importance of creating economic integration between countries in order to maintain regional peace and reduce conflicts.
“Without common regional economic interests, there won’t be lasting peace,” he stressed, citing as an example the European Union founding countries.
Such blocs are basis for common economic interests and makes peace, the president said. He underlined that it is impossible and extremely difficult for economic interests to achieve through hostilities.
Diplomatic avenue is the only avenue for shared interests, he said.
Yassin mentioned landlocked countries such as Rwanda and Uganda which agreed with Kenya to achieve their shared interests through understandings with coastal countries.
Therfore, he urged Africans to support Ethiopia that enters into partnership, which is a milestone for shared interests.
