Somaliland’s MoU with Ethiopia is Widely Supported
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland that granted the former access to the Gulf of Aden, adjacent to the Red Sea, has sparked significant discussions among scholars and policymakers.
While some expect Ethiopia’s increased involvement in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as a positive step towards enhancing regional security cooperation, others, particularly countries like Somalia, express concerns over potential conflicts arising from the MoU.
Despite differing opinions, there is a broad consensus that Ethiopia’s geographic proximity makes its involvement in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden unavoidable and critical. In light of rising regional security concerns, Ethiopia has been proactive in organizing scholarly dialogues seeking comprehensive solutions.
The Institute of Foreign Affairs also held sessions of “The Red Sea Dialogue” and the the latest of which took place yesterday in Addis Ababa.
Speaking at the event, Institute Director General Jafar Bedru emphasized that the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden are historically and integrally linked to Ethiopia, just as they are to neighboring countries. He asserted that any initiative in the Red Sea that excludes Ethiopia is bound to fail, underscoring Ethiopia’s determination to integrate itself into regional security frameworks.
As global geopolitical dynamics evolve and the Horn of Africa faces escalating security threats, Ethiopia’s involvement is essential. The MoU with Somaliland is also a constructive step towards achieving regional peace and security, he said.
The security of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden has a direct impact on Ethiopia so its active participation in regional cooperation is crucial, according to him.
The Red Sea region, beyond its strategic trade significance, is also a focal point for security concerns, believed Zerubabel Getachew, a Senior Diplomat and International Security Researcher at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The strategic importance of the Red Sea is a vital maritime route for global trade. He noted that 15 percent of international commerce and 30 percent of global container traffic pass through the Red Sea, which also handles around 12 percent of global seaborne oil trade. With 100 percent of Ethiopia’s international trade relying on this route, the country’s interest in the Red Sea’s security is paramount.
Zerubabel (PhD) also indicated that maritime insecurity exacerbates food shortages in Africa and the Middle East, affecting the most vulnerable populations. The high cost of rerouting ships around Africa underscores the economic importance of securing the Red Sea. Therefore, Ethiopia’s direct involvement in the region offers an opportunity to enhance security cooperation and neutralize threats.
Refraining from commenting on the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland, Israeli Security Researcher Yuval Eyelon has stressed the need for increased security cooperation in response to growing terrorist threats across the Red Sea.
BY YESUF ENDRIS
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2024