The Horn of Africa nations convened at the 42nd Extraordinary Assembly of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Uganda. The Heads of State and Government, meeting at State House, Entebbe, issued a call to Ethiopia, urging them to abstain from actions that undermine the sovereignty of Somalia.
The leaders, emphasizing the fundamental principles of respect for sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, expressed their concern over the contentious seaport agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This agreement involves the leasing of 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s Red Sea coastline to Ethiopia for a duration of 50 years, allowing for the construction of a naval base and a commercial port.
The controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has led to protests from Somalia, which, like the international community, does not recognize Somaliland’s independence. The IGAD leaders emphasized that any engagement should adhere to the cardinal principles mentioned earlier, with agreements requiring the consent of the Federal Government of Somalia.
The Assembly, chaired by H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of Djibouti and Chairperson of the IGAD Heads of State and Government, witnessed the absence of Ethiopia, citing short notice for their invitation. In attendance were leaders from Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Uganda, along with representatives from IGAD, the African Union Commission, the United Nations, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and the United States, among others.
The leaders also called for de-escalation of tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, encouraging both governments to engage in constructive dialogue. However, Somalia had, up until Wednesday, insisted that there would be no mediated talks with Ethiopia unless the latter retracts the disputed MoU.
President Mohamud of Somalia, five days after the MoU’s signing on January 1, nullified the agreement through legislation, stressing the commitment to safeguard unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity as per international law. This stance received immediate support from the African Union.
In addition to the Ethiopia-Somalia issue, the IGAD summit in Entebbe addressed the conflict in Sudan, focusing on security and humanitarian concerns. The leaders reiterated their call for the warring parties to commit to dialogue and negotiation, expressing IGAD’s readiness to facilitate an all-inclusive peace process in collaboration with various stakeholders.
The summit concluded with a reiterated call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities in Sudan. The objective is to end the unjust war affecting the people of Sudan and pave the way for a political dialogue.
