ADDIS ABABA (SD) – Ethiopia has sent a letter to the Security Council ahead of the council discussing the agreement signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1, 2024, saying that the agreement is not a violation of Somalia’s independence and does not lead to conflict between the two countries and create instability in the region.

The outgoing president of Somaliland, Muse Bihi, said that the agreement allows Ethiopia to establish a military base on the coast, and gain recognition in return. However, Ethiopia claims that it is interested in a commercial port, and has avoided talking about a military base.

Also, Ethiopia claims to have informed the Federal Government of Somalia of its intentions, but Somalia has denied the claim.

Ethiopia said it supports the decision of the Security and Peace Council of the African Union, which called for mediation between the two countries. However, the Somali government argued that Ethiopia should withdraw from the agreement first, which violates the independence and territorial integrity of Somalia.