Somalia Accuses Ethiopia-Somaliland Agreement of Aggression

The government of Somalia has criticized an agreement made between landlocked Ethiopia and the self-declared republic of Somaliland regarding sea access, calling it an act of aggression. Somaliland separated from Somalia over 30 years ago, but is not recognized internationally. According to reports, Ethiopia agreed to recognize Somaliland's independence in the future in exchange for military access to the coast, although this has not been confirmed by Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Prime Minister's office stated that they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to secure access to the sea and diversify their seaport access. Both sides view this development as a significant diplomatic move. However, Somalia sees Somaliland as part of its territory and has reacted angrily, recalling its ambassador to Ethiopia and labeling the agreement as null and void and a violation of its sovereignty. Somalia has requested that the UN Security Council and the African Union discuss the matter. The specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, but Somaliland's President has mentioned that it includes Ethiopia's recognition of Somaliland as an independent country in the future. Somaliland's foreign ministry has referred to the agreement as a historic milestone, ensuring Ethiopia's access to the sea in exchange for 20km of territorial sea leased to Ethiopian naval forces for 50 years.