Somalia: President Hassan Sheikh signs law invalidating Somaliland-Ethiopia Sea deal

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia has signed a law officially nullifying the recently disclosed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which has sparked tensions in the region.

President Hassan Sheikh commended the Parliament for safeguarding Somalia’s sovereignty and emphasized that this law reflects the nation’s official stance. He underscored its significance as a robust deterrent against any trespassing on Somali territory.

Expressing concern over the MOU’s perceived violation of Somalia’s integrity and sovereignty, President Hassan affirmed that this law demonstrates their unwavering commitment to preserving unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity following international law.

In a post on X, the Somali leader posted, “This evening, I signed the law nullifying the illegal MoU between the Gov’t of Ethiopia & Somaliland. With the support of our lawmakers & our people, this law is an illustration of our commitment to safeguard our unity, sovereignty & territorial integrity as per international law.”

Despite the nullification, both Somaliland and Ethiopia maintained their positions. Somaliland called upon the international community to respect the MOU, while Ethiopia assured that no party or country would be adversely affected by the agreement.

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.