Djibouti Stresses Regional Stability amidst Ethiopia-Somalia Tensions

In response to the recent agreement between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, Djibouti has issued a statement emphasizing the need to safeguard the independence and territorial integrity of member states within the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional bloc.

As the current chair of IGAD, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti underscored its commitment to protecting the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of all member states in accordance with the charters of both IGAD and the African Union.
“The Republic of Djibouti, which is currently the chair of the IGAD, confirms that it will deeply protect the independence, unity, and territorial integrity of all the member states, according to the IGAD and the African Union charters,” the statement read.
The tension stems from a recent agreement forged in Addis Ababa at the beginning of the month between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Ethiopia, seeking access to the Red Sea, aims to establish a port and naval base on the coast of Somaliland in exchange for recognizing Somaliland as an independent entity.
The Federal Government of Somalia has vehemently opposed the deal, characterizing it as an act of aggression. Somalia has warned Addis Ababa against interfering in the internal affairs of the country, heightening regional tensions.
This development poses a challenge to the delicate balance within the IGAD regional bloc, which is crucial for maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa.
Djibouti’s statement signals its commitment to upholding the principles of the IGAD and