Concerned Over Tensions in the Red Sea, Somaliland Asks for Collaborative Solution

Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced serious concerns over the Red Sea tension, citing its detrimental effects on the regional and global economies.

The Ministry said in a news release on Tuesday Dec 26, 2023 that the security of the Red Sea, the stability of the surrounding region, and the lives of millions of people who depend on commercial ships passing through the area are all at risk due to the recent increase in tension in the area.

Somaliland government is still keeping an eye on the worsening Red Sea situation. Millions of people relying on the crucial trade routes in this area for their livelihoods are at risk, as well as marine security and regional stability, according to the statement.

In order to terminate the dispute and preserve international law, the statement further urged the parties to give priority to cooperation and peaceful solutions.

“We implore all sides to the conflict to give diplomacy, communication, and a peaceful conclusion first priority. We support a cooperative strategy that puts an emphasis on collective security, upholds international law, and deals with the underlying causes of the political unrest and conflict in the area.”

Part of the statement said, “We call on regional and international actors to play a constructive role in facilitating de-escalation and supporting diplomatic efforts.”

To guarantee that the Red Sea remains a secure channel through which all ships can sail without incident, Somaliland has pledged to accept friends who wish to take part in maritime security initiatives.

“To ensure that the Red Sea remains a safe and prosperous waterway for all, our government remains steadfast in welcoming partners who wish to engage in our maritime security efforts,” the statement said in its conclusion.

This occurs one day after Musa Bihi Abdi, the president of Somaliland, met with business leaders to talk about the negative effects of Red Sea tensions on the local economy and the region as a whole.

The purpose of the discussion was to develop methods to deal with the economic effects of the growing difficulties in transshipment across the Red Sea as a result of the Houthi group’s attacks and blockade of commercial ships at Bab Al-Mandab, Yemen.

It gathered ministers, business experts, businesspeople, and other government officials from the Chambers of Commerce in Somaliland.

Both parties concluded throughout the talks that a thorough plan was required to deal with persistent problems that could endanger communal life.

Leaders in business actively gave recommendations and concepts to address new economic issues.

Among these recommendations is the creation of a joint committee made up of businesspeople and government representatives whose goal would be to create long-term solutions for problems pertaining to commodities and trade at the port.

In addition, the leaders stressed the necessity of working together to increase domestic output in order to achieve self-sufficiency and less reliance on other nations.