Somaliland leader, Muse Bihi, justifies controversial deal signed with Ethiopia 

Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, upon returning from Ethiopia, addressed a gathering to articulate the rationale behind the agreement he signed with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Tension is rising between Somalia and its breakaway Somaliland region after it signed a contested pact with Ethiopia.

The pact would provide landlocked Ethiopia, which depends primarily on neighbouring Djibouti for its marine trade, a 50-year lease for its navy, and commercial uses of the port of Berbera, which is located on the Gulf of Aden with access to the Red Sea, covering 20 kilometres.

In return, Somaliland’s leader declared that Ethiopia would be the first country to acknowledge Somaliland as an independent nation.

While arriving in Hergeisa, the capital, President Bihi clarified that while Somaliland is leasing a naval base to Ethiopia, the nation remains sovereign, and Ethiopia has committed to formally recognizing Somaliland.

Highlighting the mutual benefits of the agreement, President Bihi underscored that the final signing would occur contingent upon Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation.

Responding to Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s criticism, Bihi acknowledged Somalia’s non-involvement, citing the distinct nature of the two nations.

Meanwhile, Somalia has undertaken diplomatic initiatives to intervene in the Somaliland-Ethiopia Memorandum of Understanding, with numerous international organizations urging both parties to seek resolution through peaceful dialogue.