It becomes apparent that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that has been signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland beyond a shadow of a doubt is a substantial move and momentous step in fast-tracking trade and commerce in the Horn of Africa and beyond.
There is no denying that as the deal circles around in various domains of collaboration in terms of social, economic, political, military and other things of a similar kind, it will take the Horn of Africa to whole other level and new horizons through the passage of time.
It is quite clear that the MoU becomes involved in giving a push to make Ethiopia’s desire a reality at the earliest possible juncture. As access to seaport brings tremendous opportunities to the people of the Horn of Africa, bodies involved should join hands for the full realization of the agreement.
Instead of fanning the flames of hatred and spreading figment of imagination and shameless falsehood, scaremongers should alienate themselves from their wicked deeds and stand for the truth.
As things stand now, as the broader international community knows the full pictures of the whole situation going behind closed doors like the palm of their hand, they will not be for sure hoodwinked by the conspiracies of worrywarts that have an intense aversion to see the growth of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region.
Up to this juncture, some groups have maintained mystifying the wider international community with their usual cock and bull stories that do not reflect the prevailing circumstances and the tangible existence on the ground. In actual fact, no matter how hard they attempted to materialize their dream, all their efforts has set in motion going for nothing.
To everyone’s dismay, Ethiopia’s population which is estimated to be more than 120 million does not have sufficient access to seaport to assist the progress of its economy as the country’s desire.
In the same way, owing to the fact that the country is generally known for its population boom, pertinent bodies should lay too much stress on Ethiopia’s economic growth standing by the side of the country.
No matter what wet blankets enunciate with respect to seaport access agreement, the two parties have sustained augmenting their cooperation and moving forward in the right direction turning a blind eye to their bogus news stories.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed Ethiopia’s pursuit of peaceful access to the Red Sea, citing the necessity for a sea outlet to support the nation’s growing economy and expanding population of over 120 million, according to information obtained from local media.
Speaking before the Parliament, PM Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s commitment to a non-aggressive approach to realizing these strategic goals.
“We seek access to the Red Sea in a peaceful manner, as is fitting for a nation of our size and growing economy,” PM Abiy stated. “Our agenda is not about confrontation, but about ensuring economic growth and benefiting the Ethiopian people.”
The region has ample resource of sea access, he said, noting the Horn of Africa region has more than 5,000 kilometers of sea access stretching from Massawa to Mogadishu.
He went on to outline that Ethiopia’s interest in access to the Red Sea is a logical move for economic growth, and with the presence of such a long coastline within reach, the country remains committed to pursuing agreements that promote mutual benefit.
“Our approach is one of shared prosperity and respect for our neighbors,” PM Abiy remarked, pointing to Ethiopia’s ambitions for regional development.
He highlighted this vast region as a potential resource, stating, “With this extensive coastline within our neighborhood, we see a wealth of opportunities for trade and cooperation that can uplift not only Ethiopia but the entire region.”
Ethiopia’s commitment to peaceful engagement remains steadfast, seeking to create a strong foundation for trade routes that could transform the Horn of Africa into a hub of growth and connectivity.
There is no doubt that access to sea port is essential to achieve success particularly for Ethiopia, which has been endeavoring to set the scene for the import and export business of the country.
It seems obvious that the MoU would play a significant role in the Horn of Africa paving the way for building prosperity and growth through economic development.
In view of the fact that access to seaport plays a monumental role in paving the way for international and regional development, relevant actors should act in concert and present a unified front.
Securing seaport through diplomacy and shared development takes a role in expediting socioeconomic integration and amalgamating cooperation with nations in the Horn of Africa.
It becomes evident that the move to secure seaport access through diplomatic way is vital for the realization of socio-economic integration and augmenting alliance with a broad set of nations in the Horn of Africa.
As long as Ethiopia’s hunt for access to seaport is to prosper together, nations in the Horn of Africa should combine efforts and form an alliance at the earliest moment.
It is recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the President of Somaliland, Muse Bihe Abdi signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding in Addis Ababa in January, 2024, according to a source.
Office of the Prime Minister said the Memorandum of Understanding for Partnership and Cooperation, between Ethiopia and Somaliland, is intended to serve as a framework for the multisectoral partnership between the two sides.
The MoU shall pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports. It also strengthens their security, economic and political partnership, according to Office of the Prime Minister.
Furthermore, the Memorandum of Understanding also indicates the pathway to bolster their political and diplomatic relations. The MoU reaffirms the principled position of the Ethiopian government to advance mutual interests through cooperation on the basis of reciprocity, it pointed out.
It ushers in a new chapter of cooperation and has a huge significance for regional integration in the horn. It also enables Ethiopia to enhance its role in maintaining regional peace and security.
In a similar way, the MoU can easily greases the wheels of the implementation of seaport access deal standing in solidarity with nations in the Horn region.
It goes without saying nations in the Horn of Africa should comprehend Ethiopia’s peaceful approach on the grounds that the country has been working towards mutual growth and taking the Horn of Africa to new opportunities.
Likewise, it serves as a guideline for the multi-sectorial partnership between the two sides and makes the country’s dream become a reality down the road.
Theregional economic corporation, combined military efforts, cooperation in the field of culture among the various nations of the region will smooth the way for the integration of the Horn of Africa.
The nonviolent endeavors undergoing by the Federal government of Ethiopia to gain access to seaport should be taken doubtlessly.
The attempt of certain sections that have been working around the clock to disrupt the efforts of Ethiopia to gain access to seaport is on a par with bending over backwards to throw cold water on the efforts of the country to grow and prosper.
Ethiopia’s right to access direct maritime seaport is a legitimate call through legal frameworks to facilitate the country’s overall economic development, a distinguished Congolese law professor at University of Lubumbashi said.
Speaking to ENA, Professor Joseph Yav who is also Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) Life time member and Commercial Law Committee Co-Chair said Ethiopia’s ongoing quest for having access to seaport is acceptable.
Given its geographical, historical, economic backgrounds, Ethiopia has initiated discussions to secure sea outlet based on the principle of mutual benefits and partnership that provide amicable opportunities to strengthen shared development.
Quest for coastal access to sea outlets is essentially considered as a legitimate right to Ethiopia with its sizable economy and population as well as the ever growing import-export trade.
Moreover, the country’s direct coastal access is anticipated to increase physical economic growth of the people in the Horn of Africa, it was learned.
For professor Yav, the ongoing Ethiopia’s endeavor to secure seaport is extremely important to expedite regional economic growth and collaboration with neighboring countries.
There are pathways to achieve this goal through peaceful negotiations and international legal frameworks. Ethiopia deserves access to the seaport like any other nation,” Yav noted, urging for discussions that respect international law and promote shared resources.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2024
