Addis Abeba, Ethiopia – The African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) is set to convene an extraordinary session to address the growing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. The session, not initially scheduled, comes in response to the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a move that has fueled a diplomatic crisis in the region.
The MoU, signed on 1 January 2024, grants Ethiopia access to twelve miles of the Somaliland coast for the next five decades, facilitating the construction of a naval base. This development poses a threat to Somalia’s territorial integrity, leading to the recall of Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia and heightening the possibility of armed conflict. Additionally, Somalia has sought the intervention of the AU and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address the issue.
Of particular concern is Ethiopia’s potential recognition of Somaliland as an independent state in exchange for access to the port of Berbera, a move that could further exacerbate the already strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The situation has also garnered regional attention, with the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) calling for an Extraordinary Summit to discuss the escalating tensions.
Amidst this geopolitical upheaval, the AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and international bodies such as the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League have emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all African Union member states.
The AU PSC’s forthcoming session is crucial in providing guidance to African members of the UNSC and setting the tone for a potential UNSC meeting. It is expected to underscore the imperative of respecting unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, as enshrined in the principles of the AU, and to call for diplomatic efforts to avert further escalation and seek a peaceful resolution.
Beyond the diplomatic implications, the situation also has significant security implications, particularly for the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), in which Ethiopia plays a substantial role. The presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia is crucial in combating the terrorist group Al Shabaab, yet the recent MoU and ensuing nationalist sentiments could potentially be exploited by Al Shabaab for recruitment and threats against Ethiopia.
As the AU PSC prepares to address this pressing issue, the international community awaits the outcome of the session, hoping for a diplomatic solution that will safeguard peace and stability in the region.
The outcome of the session is anticipated to be a communique expressing grave concern over the escalating tensions, emphasizing the need for maximum restraint, and calling for high-level diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and seek peaceful avenues for resolution. This session stands as a critical test of the AU’s commitment to upholding peace and security in Africa.
