April 14, 2024
1 min read

Kenya proposes treaty to defuse Ethiopia-Somalia tensions


Ethiopia, landlocked, agreed on January 1st to lease 20 km (12 miles) of Somaliland’s coastline, an autonomous region within Somalia, possibly signaling recognition in exchange….reports Asian Lite News

Kenya has proposed a regional maritime treaty to defuse tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over a deal allowing Ethiopia to set up a naval base and giving it port access in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, a top Kenyan official said on Thursday.

Landlocked Ethiopia agreed on Jan. 1 to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline in Somaliland, a part of Somalia which claims independence and has had effective autonomy since 1991, offering possible recognition of Somaliland in exchange.

That prompted a defiant response from Somalia and fueled concern the deal could further destabilize the Horn of Africa region.

The treaty Kenya is proposing in consultation with Djibouti and regional bloc IGAD would govern how landlocked states in the region can access ports on commercial terms, Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, told Reuters.

“IGAD can be able to formulate a treaty for sharing maritime resources,” he said, referring to the bloc which brings together countries in the region.

On Thursday Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a meeting with his Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in the Kenyan capital as part of efforts to find a diplomatic solution to the dispute.

“We continue to engage with all the parties with a view to ensuring that at the end of the day the region is left all stable,” Sing’oei said.

If accepted, Nairobi’s solution would offer Ethiopia “stable and predictable access to maritime resources” so it can carry out its business unhindered, while also respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity, he added.

Somalia and Ethiopia are considering the proposal, he said, and their leaders have been asked to consider meeting to take the process forward.

Sing’oei said time was of the essence since Al-Shabab militants in Somalia were using the dispute to portray the government in Mogadishu as being unable to protect Somalia’s sovereignty.

ALSO READ: Sudan prosecutors accuse ex-PM Hamdok of ‘inciting war’

Previous Story

‘Sudan conflict claims thousands of civilian lives’

Next Story

UN Chief Denounces Iran’s Attack on Israel

Latest from -Top News

Modi Strengthens Defence, Energy Ties in Saudi

Both sides agreed to hold the next Strategic Partnership Council meeting at a mutually convenient date….reports Asian Lite News India and Saudi Arabia have expanded their bilateral Strategic Partnership Council by adding

India Donates Vaccines to Afghanistan

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health expressed gratitude towards India for its generous contribution….reports Asian Lite News India has donated 4.8 tonnes of vaccines to Afghanistan as part of its ongoing humanitarian

Global Grief Over J&K Terror Strike

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the horrific terror attack, stating that violence can not be justified….reports Asian Lite News Condolences have poured in from around the world after the horrific

Pakistan Condemns J&K Terror Strike

Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a brief statement, saying, “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan on Wednesday responded to the

Muslim World League Condemns Terror in Pahalgam

Prime Minister Modi commended the firm stand of the Muslim World League against extremism, terrorism and violence….reports Asian Lite News The Muslim World League has condemned the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ethiopia, UN ink pact for rehabilitation

Ethiopia has signed a third-party implementation agreement with the United

US warns Kenya’s rising debt threatens economic stability

Kenya is facing violent protests due to its ongoing economic