Title: Tensions in the Horn of Africa: the fight for maritime access increases the pressure
Introduction :
The Horn of Africa is currently the scene of growing tensions between Somalia, Ethiopia and Somaliland. At the center of this dispute is a recently signed maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland, which was immediately contested by Somalia. This situation highlights the challenges faced by countries in the region in terms of sovereignty and access to maritime resources.
Development :
On January 1, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, granting Ethiopia maritime access via the port of Berbera, located in the breakaway and unrecognized region of Somaliland. This agreement, which provides for access for a period of 50 years, immediately aroused indignation in Somalia, which considers it a violation of its sovereignty. The Somali president therefore announced that he had signed a law to “cancel” this agreement deemed “illegal”.
However, it should be emphasized that Somaliland has been an autonomous region since 1991, which has its own government, its own currency and issues its own passports. Although Somalia contests its independence, it has little control over the affairs of this region. The lack of international recognition keeps Somaliland in a certain isolation.
The symbolic significance of the law signed by Somalia further highlights the political rivalry between the different regional actors. In reality, the Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement could provide economic benefits to both countries. Ethiopia, being a landlocked country, would benefit from direct access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera, which would facilitate international trade and economic development in the region. For its part, Somaliland hopes that this agreement could lead to official recognition of its independence by Ethiopia.
Growing tensions in the region are causing international concern. The United States, the European Union, the African Union as well as other regional actors such as Egypt, Turkey and the Arab League have called for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and expressed support for the territorial integrity of the country.
Conclusion :
The struggle for maritime access to the Horn of Africa reflects the political and economic issues underlying relations between Somalia, Ethiopia and Somaliland. As Ethiopia seeks to secure maritime access essential to its development, Somaliland seeks to strengthen its status as an independent state. However, political rivalry and lack of international recognition continue to hinder a peaceful resolution of these tensions. It is essential that stakeholders seek diplomatic solutions and allay the concerns of the international community in order to preserve stability and security in the Horn of Africa region.