MOGADISHU (SD)-The spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Matthew Miller, has stated that the United States government is concerned about the tensions in the Horn of Africa.

Responding to a question regarding the developments in Ethiopia and Somaliland and the resulting tensions, Miller underlined the need for all parties to engage in diplomatic solutions to address the situation.

The US State Department’s Spokesperson Matt Miller added that the US recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia within 1960 borders.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mr. Öncü Keçeli addressed the agreement signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland on January 1, 2024.

This agreement stipulates that Ethiopia will recognize Somaliland as an independent country from Somalia, in exchange for leasing a part of Somaliland’s maritime territory.

Mr. Öncü Keçeli expressed concern about the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Ethiopia and Somaliland in Addis Ababa without the knowledge and consent of the Somali Government.

“We reaffirm our commitment to the unity, independence, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” said a press release from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The African Union has issued a statement confirming that the Chairperson of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has been closely following the tension resulting from signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the region of Somalia (Somaliland).

The Chairperson calls for calm and mutual respect to de-escalate the simmering tension between the Governments of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Additionally, he highlighted the significance of upholding the principles of unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty among all African Union member states, including the Federal Republic of Somalia.