Ethiopia on Thursday announced that it “categorically” rejects the Arab League‘s statement condemning a recent maritime deal between Addis Ababa and Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland.
Ethiopia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arega Moach on X social media platform accused the 22-nation regional organization of attempting to interfere with Addis Ababa’s internal affairs and sovereignty.
He said Ethiopia enjoys “excellent” bilateral relations with many of the Arab states but that the league “is serving the interests of few.”
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The Arab League issued a statement after an emergency virtual meeting on Wednesday, expressing its solidarity with Somalia amid a row between it and Somaliland, which signed a deal to allow Ethiopia access to the Red Sea and a naval base.
The league said it supports efforts by Somalia to take the matter to the International Court of Justice, condemning “this measure as a blatant aggression against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.”
The statement comes hours after the African Union Security Council urged Somalia and Ethiopia to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and engage in “meaningful dialogue” towards finding a peaceful resolution.
Responding to the African Union call, Mogadishu said on Thursday that “there is no space for mediation” with Ethiopia unless Addis Ababa retracts its “illegal” deal with Somaliland.
Mogadishu welcomed affirmation from the bloc’s Security Council of the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of all member states.
