U.S. opposes Somaliland-Ethiopia agreement, saying it may trigger regional instability
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 07: John Kirby, Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council in the White House, speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House on November 07, 2023 in Washington, DC. Kirby spoke about the Israel-Hamas war and discussed the arrival of humanitarian aid to assist civilians. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The White House has articulated its opposition to the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia, citing apprehensions that the accord may contribute to regional instability and impede international counterterrorism initiatives.
John Kirby, the Strategic Communications Coordinator for the National Security Council, emphasized the potential disruption to efforts against al-Shabab, highlighting ongoing collaboration with regional partners such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc.
He affirmed that the U.S. government is actively engaging with these entities to oppose the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, signed on January 1, outlines arrangements for Ethiopia to establish a naval base on Somaliland’s coast in exchange for formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
In response, Somalia has conveyed a threat of war to prevent Ethiopia from recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty and has called upon the international community to annul the agreement.
