Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Somalia & Ethiopia mediation to be headed by former Nigeria President

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: News websites
  • 20 Jan 2024 09:22
4 Min Read

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has been appointed by the African Union to head mediation talks between Somalia and Ethiopia amid the latter's geopolitical gambit

  • x
  • In this Tuesday Feb. 26, 2013 file photo, former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo attends a function in Abeokuta, Nigeria. (AP)
    In this Tuesday, February 26, 2013 file photo, former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo attends a function in Abeokuta, Nigeria. (AP)

To prevent further escalation of tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, the  African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) has taken action and asked former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to lead negotiations and ease the growing conflict.

The strained relations between the two neighboring countries began when the secessionist region of Somaliland signed an agreement with Ethiopia on January 1. This agreement granted Ethiopia control over a maritime port and a military base on the Red Sea, sparking tensions in the region.

While appointing Obasanjo as the mediator, the PSC has also called for other countries to refrain from interfering in the situation. In addition, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held an extraordinary summit in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday to address the matter.

Obasanjo faces a daunting challenge as he mediates between the two countries involved in a complex geopolitical gambit.

'Ethiopia must reverse agreement with Somaliland'

In turn, Somalia has made it clear that it won't engage in talks with Ethiopia before Addis Ababa reverses its agreement with Somaliland, according to Africa News.

"The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia have been violated by Ethiopia when it signed an illegal agreement with the northern region [the administration of Somaliland] of Somalia. That is why there is no room for mediation unless Ethiopia reverses its illegal agreement and reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia," stated the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Related News

600 Nigerian children dead due to malnutrition amid foreign aid cuts

Nigeria army base attack leaves 17 soldiers killed in ambush

Before that, on Wednesday, Somalia denied entry to an Ethiopian flight carrying Ethiopian government representatives en route to Somaliland.

The PSC has issued a statement emphasizing the importance of Ethiopia and Somalia adhering to the fundamental principles of the African Union (AU) and international law in their bilateral and international relations.

It is important to note that the AU regards Somaliland as a part of Somalia.

Somalia 'ready for a war' over Somaliland

"Prepare for the defense of our homeland," Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said, while a senior presidential advisor explained, "We are pursuing all diplomatic options and I think Ethiopia will come to its senses, but we are ready for a war if Abiy [Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed] wants a war."

A memorandum of understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia, a landlocked country seeking maritime access, was signed on January 1st. The agreement allegedly gave Ethiopia access to build a port in Somaliland, which the breakaway region of Somaliland would bring it legitimacy as it remains unrecognized internationally, as it was reported that Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland's independence as per the agreement.

Somalia, which also does not recognize Somaliland as an independent state but as part of Somalia, declared the agreement void after Mogadishu declared that the deal "caught Somalia by surprise."

Here's what you need to know 

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in the early 1990s amid Somalia's prolonged civil war. Over three decades later, Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, has actively sought international recognition within the borders of the former British protectorate. Formal recognition by Ethiopia could offer Somaliland its most significant opportunity yet to address its longstanding international isolation.

Ethiopia lost access to its Red Sea ports in the early 1990s when Eritrean forces controlling Ethiopia's northern coastal region declared independence from the country. Ethiopia, heavily dependent on Djibouti for international trade, sought to diversify its options to mitigate vulnerability, expressing interest in acquiring access to ports along East Africa's seaboard since October. On that note, Ethiopia's assertion of rights and signaling its interest in Red Sea ports has raised concerns among its neighbors.

In a televised address, Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed stated that Ethiopia should have a say in using the Red Sea ports of its coastal neighbors, drawing parallels to countries downstream along the Nile River negotiating the use of the river, where Ethiopia has built a dam to generate power.

Read more: Somaliland Defense Minister resigns over deal with Ethiopia

  • Nigeria
  • Olusegun Obasanjo
  • Somalia
  • Somaliland
  • Ethiopia
  • African Union

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS