Ethiopia calls for deliberation on Somalia’s security after ATMIS exit

Ethiopia calls for deliberation on Somalia’s security after ATMIS exit

Source: Hiiraan Online, Wednesday September 25, 2024

New York (HOL) – Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atske-Selassie, met with Catherine Molly Phee, U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, on Tuesday during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

During the meeting, Minister Taye emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring sustainable peace and security, highlighting Ethiopia’s role in combating terrorism, especially in Somalia.

The Minister stressed the need for careful deliberation before any post-ATMIS (African Union Mission in Somalia) arrangements are finalized, signalling Ethiopia’s concerns about maintaining stability in the region.

Tensions have risen between Ethiopia and Somalia over Ethiopia’s agreement to lease a portion of Somaliland’s coastline, an autonomous region of Somalia, in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The deal has caused diplomatic friction, as Somalia strongly rejected the agreement, accusing Ethiopia of undermining its territorial integrity.

Ethiopia’s plans to establish a port in Somaliland have further strained relations with Mogadishu and brought Somalia closer to Egypt, which has long been in dispute with Ethiopia over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River.

Somalia recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia in January following the port agreement, underscoring the growing diplomatic rift between the two nations.