-President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, has stated that the agreement his administration reached to lease a naval base to Ethiopia will help resolve the emerging security issues in the Red Sea.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Bihi mentioned that the agreement would allow Somaliland to contribute to the security of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, which have recently been destabilized by Houthi groups in Yemen, with support from Iran.

Somaliland and Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year, allowing Ethiopia to establish a military base in Somaliland waters. In return, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland’s independence, according to President Bihi.

Although both Somaliland and Ethiopia have asserted that the agreement will promote economic integration and regional security, the Somali government has strongly opposed the deal. Additionally, several Red Sea coastal states have expressed concerns over the understanding.

Despite Somalia’s opposition and international pressure, both parties have indicated that the understanding will soon be formalized into an official agreement. Ethiopia has already appointed a full ambassador to Hargeisa, demonstrating its commitment to the deal.