Egypt pledges support to Somalia amid disputes with Ethiopia
Amid a dispute with Ethiopia on a sea access agreement with Somaliland, President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt has promised support for Somalia, including its security and stability
Somalia and Ethiopia are currently locking horns over a deal reached with Somaliland to use one of the breakaway region’s seaports for security and commercial purposes.
The agreement has been denounced by Somalia, which regards Somaliland as a part of its territory and describes it as an act of “aggression” and a breach of its sovereignty.
Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognised as an independent state.
In a phone call with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Mr Sisi affirmed “Egypt’s firm position to stand by Somalia and support its security and stability”, Mr Sisi’s spokesman Ahmed Famy said on Tuesday.
He added that the two leaders also discussed “regional developments” and bilateral relations.
The deal, which has raised tensions in drought-ravaged Somalia, has also been criticised by the European Union bloc, calling for respect for Somalia’s “unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
“This is key for the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region,” the EU said in a statement.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognised as an autonomous state.
