KAMPALA (SD) – The US Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mike Hammer, who gave a speech at the 42nd extraordinary meeting of the IGAD Regional Organization, clearly stated that Somaliland is part of Somalia and that the territorial unity of Somalia should be respected.

Mike Hammer, the U.S. envoy to the Horn of Africa, said he was concerned about the worsening situation resulting from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

He said the conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia can only be resolved through diplomacy.

The US envoy underlined that al-Shabaab is using the MoU to recruit new soldiers. It is important that Ethiopia and Somalia should focus on shared security priorities.

He said the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland threatens the stability of the region, calling on the Addis Ababa government to respect the independence and territorial integrity of Somalia.

Mike Hammer has welcomed the extraordinary meeting of IGAD in Uganda, which discussed how to find a solution to the war in Sudan and the growing tension between Somalia and Ethiopia.