ADDIS ABABA (SD) – The Ethiopian Army Chief, General Birhanu Jula, has stated that Ethiopia is close to becoming one of the countries bordering the Red Sea.

His statement comes just days after Ethiopia and Somalia reached an understanding to ease tensions stemming from the MoU signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1, 2024.

That agreement granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through Somaliland, but it was strongly opposed by the Federal Government of Somalia, which called it an act of aggression.

However, General Birhanu’s latest remarks have fueled further speculation that Addis Ababa still intends to pursue the controversial agreement with Somaliland.

“There is only a short time left before Ethiopia becomes one of the countries surrounding the Red Sea,” General Birhanu said, without providing further details on how this would happen.

The Ethiopian government has not officially commented on whether Birhanu’s statement signals a renewed push for the MoU with Somaliland.

Somalia has repeatedly warned that any attempt to implement the deal would be considered an act of aggression against its sovereignty.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed previously stated that Ethiopia’s economic future depends on securing direct port access but emphasized that this would be pursued through peaceful negotiations.