The memorandum of understanding between dictator Abiyi Ahmed Ali and Muse Bihi Abdi is illegal land grabbing and grave violation of Somali territorial integrity. It is crucial to approach such topics with an understanding of the historical, political, and social contexts.
Historical Context:
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland is continuation of old animosity between Somalia and Ethiopia, but it’s essential to recognize that modern geopolitical dynamics and strategic interests also play significant roles. The border between Ethiopia and Somalia has been a point of contention for many years.
The Western Somali region now as Ogaden region (where I came from originally) has been a flashpoint due to its ethnic Somali population and historical claims by both Somalia and Ethiopia. The conflict over this region dates to the 15 th century wars between Somalia and Ethiopia led by Imam Ahmed Guray, the native of Awdal region (Gadabuursi clan).
Legal and Political Framework:
The MoU between Abiyi Ahmed and Muse Bihi is generally a non-binding agreement that outlines the intentions of Ethiopian dictator Abiyi Ahmed and General Bihi. It is not a formal treaty or contract and often serves as a precursor to more detailed agreements. The legality of an MoU depends on the Somali leader’s approval if any. Territorial disputes are generally governed by international law, including treaties, agreements, and decisions made by international bodies such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Any attempt to seize land illegally will not work.
Ethiopia, as a landlocked country since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has a legitimate interest in accessing seaports to facilitate its trade and economic activities. Access to the sea is crucial for Ethiopia’s development, as it relies on neighboring countries’ ports, primarily Djibouti, for most of its imports and exports.
However, Ethiopia’s legitimate right to access seaports must be pursued through legal and diplomatic means, respecting international laws and the sovereignty of its neighboring countries. Any actions that might be perceived as illegitimate, such as territorial claims or incursions into neighboring countries, would not be justifiable and could lead to regional tensions and conflict.
International cooperation, treaties, and agreements are the appropriate channels through which Ethiopia can secure its access to seaports. For example, Ethiopia has agreements with Djibouti to use its ports and has been developing infrastructure projects, such as railways and roads, to facilitate smoother and more efficient access to these ports. Ethiopia can also explore partnerships with other neighboring countries, like Somalia and Sudan, to diversify its access to seaports and reduce dependency on a single route.
In summary, while Ethiopia’s need for seaport access is legitimate, it must be pursued in accordance with international law and through peaceful and cooperative means, without resorting to any illegitimate territorial claims. Ethiopia has the right to use neighboring seaports for trade and transit, as per agreements and international laws. However, it does not have the right to seize Somali territory through illegal means, as this would violate international law and Somalia’s sovereignty.
Controversy Surrounding Whether Somaliland Exists or Not:
It appears there’s some confusion or controversy surrounding whether Muse Bihi Abdi, the President of Somaliland, is in a position to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia on behave of all stockholders (clans) in Somaliland. This issue could stem from several factors, including political, legal, or diplomatic reasons and here are some potential reasons why Muse Bihi Abdi might not be in a position to sign an MoU with Abiy Ahmed.
Somaliland’s creation was significantly influenced by the political and economic interests of its main clans, particularly the Isaaq, Gadabuursi, and Dhulbahante. The cooperation and balance of power among these clans have been crucial in maintaining the stability and governance of Somaliland. The political and economic representation of these clans has allowed for a relatively peaceful coexistence and a functioning government.
The Dhulbahante clan, a major clan in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC) regions, has expressed grievances with the Somaliland Isaq government, citing marginalization and lack of representation. In response, there have been movements within these regions seeking the establishment of their own regional state. In late 2022, the SSC-Khatumo (Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn Khatumo) movement declared the creation of their own regional state within Somalia and left What use to be Somaliland which was created in 1991 and they are not part of Somaliland anymore. Therefore, in practice Somaliland does not exist.
The Gadabuursi clan has also had a significant role in Somaliland’s politics and economics. They have traditionally been influential in the western regions of Somaliland, such as Awdal. The Gadabuursi have been involved in the political process through representation in the government and local administrations, contributing to the overall stability and governance of Somaliland. The most popular president Somaliland has ever had was Daahir Riyale Kaahin.
The president of Somali land from 2002 to 2010 and he came from Gadabuursi Clan. Since 2015 this Clan was marginalized both economically and politically. That is why they created many different political movements such Awdal State and Awdal Movement. The Gadabuursi Clan is vehemently against The MoU between Abiyi Ahmed and General Bihi. The Gadabuursi Clan wants to leave Isaq dominated Somaliland as soon as possible.
Muse Bihi represents a specific Clan within the borders of Somaliland and Somaliland political landscape, but he does not represent all clans. It’s essential to understand that Somaliland politics is highly fragmented along clan lines, and no single leader can claim to represent all clans across Somaliland and because of above mentioned reasons, Muse Bihi Abdi has no legitimacy to enter into agreements with Ethiopia on behave of all Clans in Somaliland and that is why memorandum of understanding between Abiyi Ahmed and Muse Bihi is illegal.
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You haven’t convinced me. I need something more than: “Muse does not represent all clans”. Muse is president through the most democratic election in all the horn. If he loses this position in the next election because of the MoU, that is the democratic process, but it never made the MoU illegal.
Perhaps if you considered the arguments that it is legal and then argue against those reasons.
Mr Davey,
First i respected fully your opinion but it seems that you are not fully aware what is going on in northern Somalia(Somaliland).
Do you know what it means “Somaliland”??!
We’ll said
Somaliland is a defacto state. International recognition is the only remaining criteria to be accepted in to the club of the states. The way to achieve this is through approaching ancient countries such as Ethiopia, and poking big powers as well.
What I don’t get is why the Somalia brothers and sisters want to make their domestic troubles Ethiopian problem? Ethiopia has been helping Somalia in fighting terrorism – and should have been given credit and revered for that.
Somalia must say adios to Somaliland and two state solution is in the horizon. The states in the East Africa has been expanding that contracting … See Eritrea, South Sudan, and inevitably Somaliland will follow. Hard fact that Somalia brothers needs to swallow, and start to befriend the Republic of Somaliland.
After all, the autonomy of Somaliland is good for Somalia, and Ethiopia.
Mr Jirra,
Your opinion is very welcome, but it seems to me that you are having difficulty to understand the difference between Somaliland , Eritrea and South Sudan. First, let me you now that Eritreans are different from Ethiopians and South Sudans are different from Nothern Sudans but Somalilanders are not different from other Somalis and they are 100% Somalis and the Somaliland means the land of Somalis not Land of Oromo. Your proclamation about a new nation in east Africa is only a unfiltered wistful thinking.