The agreement announced on January 1, 2024 between Ethiopia and Somaliland – a Republic which seceded from Somalia in 1991 but not recognized by the international community – which notably guarantees Ethiopian access to the Red Sea causes regional tensions . Djibouti, the country through which the majority of Ethiopian exports and imports pass, remains cautious on this issue which “ only looks at Somalis », underlines Daoud Houmed. But the spokesperson for the presidential majority adds: “ Djibouti willingly offers its mediation as the country which holds the rotating presidency of Igad. »
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The agreement announced on January 1, 2024 between Ethiopia and Somaliland is increasing tension in the Horn of Africa. The compromise signed between Addis Ababa and this republic which seceded from Somalia in 1991 but was never recognized by the international community provides in particular for the construction of an Ethiopian military base and a commercial hub on the coast of Somaliland. In exchange, the Ethiopians would undertake to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, according to the authorities in Hargeisa.
In response, Somalia recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia and denounced a violation of its sovereignty.
This situation is closely monitored by all countries in the region and in particular Djibouti, through which nearly 95% of Ethiopian exports and 80% of imports pass.
“ Djibouti is available to make its experience available to the parties involved »
The country, however, remains cautious in this matter, as explained by Daoud Houmed, spokesperson for the Djiboutian presidential majority, at the microphone of Sébastien Nemeth : “ Initially, the Republic of Djibouti only deplores and regrets that there is additional tension. Especially since the Horn of Africa has always experienced recurring tensions and the Somali-Somali problem only concerns the Somalis. We do not interfere in their internal affairs. »
Daoud Houmed, however, affirms: “ Faithful to its diplomatic commitments governed by the cardinal principles which are the notion of justice and peace in the region, Djibouti willingly offers its mediation in its capacity as the country which holds the rotating presidency of Igad [l’Autorité intergouvernementale pour le développement, organisation sous-régionale regroupant sept pays est-africains, NDLR]. Especially since Djibouti has experience in this area. Djibouti has already mediated, was involved, in the Sudanese-Sudanese problem and then also Somali-Somali. Djibouti is available to make its experience available to the parties involved. »
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