The Ethiopian government has admitted to neglecting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. Amid international pressure, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration failed to enforce the agreement, leaving diplomats in Addis Ababa concerned.
Diplomatic sources revealed that Ethiopia assured Western diplomats of its commitment to upholding the territorial integrity and political unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia in line with the African Union Charter and international laws.
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Ethiopia clarified to diplomats that it never committed to granting diplomatic recognition to the Somaliland administration as part of the agreement.
Recently, Catriona Laing, the outgoing United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia, met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie. The minister reiterated Ethiopia’s position on Somalia’s political unity and territorial integrity.
Despite the discussions, the Ethiopian government has not officially terminated the MoU with Somaliland leader Muse Bihi Abdi. The agreement had allowed Ethiopia sea access and a military base in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland.