US, AU Urges Somalia and Ethiopia to Resolve rising Tension

The African Union and the United States have called on Somalia and Ethiopia to resolve the heightened diplomatic tension following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland that grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea.

The MoU, signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi on Monday, was denounced by Somalia as an “aggression” and a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somalia also summoned its ambassador to Ethiopia for consultations over the matter.

In a statement, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US was alarmed by the spike in tensions in the region and urged all parties to engage in diplomatic dialogue.

Also, the African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, also expressed his concern over the tension arising from the Memorandum of Understanding, appealing for calm and mutual respect to ease the friction between Ethiopia and Somalia.

He emphasized the need to respect the unity, territorial integrity and full sovereignty of all African Union member states, including Somalia and Ethiopia. The AU Chairman also highlighted the importance of following the principles of good neighborliness to foster and maintain peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa region.

He appealed to the two countries to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences in a peaceful manner so as to strengthen and deepen their partnership for the sake of peace and security in the region.