Landlocked Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline from Somaliland to set up a naval base and commercial port in exchange for Ethiopia’s possible recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
Background
The prime minister of Ethiopia, Doctor Abiy Ahmed, on several occasions and speeches, promised Ethiopians that he was willing to work and collaborate with friends to revive and bring to life the Ethiopian Navy soon. Some retired generals and navy crews of the DERGEE regime and those advocating for Ethiopia’s sea access see this as an opportunity to revive their long-held desire. They contend that a country like Ethiopia should not have ports or shores. Several higher-profile government members had openly stated their desire that Ethiopia should play a significant leading role and start stretching its muscles to influence the region. They categorically oppose any foreign presence in the Red Sea and claim historical and geopolitical rights to defend the region. The country’s leadership seeks to extend Ethiopia’s regional influence and wants to lead in dispute resolution and economic integration. In addition to its strength on land and in the air, Ethiopia also wants to protect its commercial ships and have access to ports for economic development. The rhetoric may serve as a political strategy to garner domestic support and rally Ethiopians during the conflicts in the Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia regions, where the government’s stability was threatened.
The January 2024 memorandum of understanding
In January of this year, the prime minister of Ethiopia and his counterpart from the autonomous republic of Somaliland reiterated their agreement to build a port and establish a base in the offshores of Somaliland. The countries in the Horn of Africa were stunned by the news, particularly the potential impact the Ethiopian authorities’ recognition of Somaliland as a country could have on the already volatile region. This decision has sparked controversy and exacerbated tensions between Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia. The concerns of Somalians regarding the actions of their Ethiopian neighbors are unmistakable. The tumultuous history of conflict and division between the two countries has left many Somalis feeling resentful and distrustful of Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s ownership of the Berbera port of Somaliland and its lease for a military base exacerbates these concerns, undermining Somalia’s unity and integration. Somalis are not inclined to engage in any dispute or war with Ethiopia and would not welcome Ethiopian military navy ships in their waters. This agreement could disrupt regional stability.
Initiatives to resolve the rift between both countries have not brought any results yet, but they need to be appreciated, and both parties should be encouraged to continue the dialogue. In their recent speech to their respective parliaments, both leaders accused each other. Prime Minister Abey somewhat sarcastically advised the government of Somalia to stop moving around and asking countries for mediation and support on resolving the problem because traveling costs a lot and suggested they could have spent this money on building schools and Hospitals in Somalia. He also reported that the Ethiopian government took the initiative for the MOU in response to dull and complete silence to our question, which was simple, “We need sea access.”
For his part, the president of the Republic of Somalia accused the Ethiopian government of meeting in Istanbul to discuss the issues because the Ethiopian government requested mediation from the Turkish government. However, he insisted that the Ethiopians abandon the meeting as they had done to another similar initiative by Kenya. Hence, he wished they would act differently against the Turks in the expected informal summit in September in Istanbul.
Conclusion
As a nation of considerable size and economic influence, Ethiopians firmly believe their country deserves to possess a navy. However, the approach to accomplishing this objective is a topic of active discussion. While some argue for aggressive measures, such as invading and taking control of other nations’ waters, others suggest a more collaborative approach emphasizing mutual respect and trust between Ethiopia and other maritime powers. Ultimately, the decision will have significant implications for the nation’s welfare and security, and it is the responsibility of Ethiopians to make a prudent choice.
Safeguarding commercial ships from piracy or attacks is of great importance for any state. However, it is imperative to carefully consider several factors before creating a naval force. The size and strength of the military navy must be examined, along with the country’s willingness to seek assistance from powerful nations and collaborate with the naval forces of neighboring countries in the region. In addition, it is crucial to engage in open and transparent discussions with the countries in the area regarding the reasons and intentions behind the revival of the navy. Such talks should address any concerns or reservations these nations may have and underscore the positive impact that a robust naval presence could have on the entire region.
Whether they will pursue this objective by establishing a naval force or improving political and diplomatic ties with neighboring nations remains to be seen. It is of utmost significance for Ethiopia to prioritize peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The country can achieve this by fostering mutual trust and cooperation with the region’s countries. However, past events have led to suspicion and unease toward Ethiopian power, as it has shown historical aggressions toward neighboring nations. Therefore, Ethiopia must maintain strong political and diplomatic ties to achieve its economic goals without causing unnecessary tension or conflict.
