Ethiopia Links Recognition of Somaliland to Agreed-upon Coastal Access

Ethiopian Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, Redwan Hussein, provided further details on the Somaliland-Ethiopia memorandum of understanding signed on January 1st, causing diplomatic tensions in the region.

Redwan clarified that Ethiopia’s stance on recognizing Somaliland hinges on the completion of the agreement and the fulfillment of its terms, specifically the acquisition of land and access to the sea.

According to him, The designated port for lease, Lughaya, located in Somaliland’s Awdal region, was chosen based on negotiations settling on an average of 20km of coastline access, despite Ethiopia’s initial desire for more.

Contradictory statements emerged from Somaliland officials, indicating that the port lease to Ethiopia would only occur after formal recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign nation by Ethiopia.