It is evident that Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland oils the wheels of economic integration for both Ethiopia and Somaliland. Apart from paving the way for international maritime trade routes, the deal will enable the country to amplify its export-import competences and augment its general development.
Ethiopia might not have a coastline or kilometers away from the Red Sea, but it has the largest growing economy in the region and permitting the country’s quest for sea access sustains its rapid economic progress. This would also help to change the livelihoods of East African people and enhance intra-regional trade. If Ethiopia improves its manufacturing and agricultural capabilities, then having a corridor that gives access to Red Sea ports is imperative.
By the same token, Ethiopia’s sea pursuit would provide a great opportunity for neighboring countries as the former’s initiative would bring holistic growth and prosperity in the Horn of Africa. Meeting Ethiopia’s demand, coastal neighbors are expected to create strong regional partnerships.
The port deal that Ethiopia and Somaliland struck recently would bring a new dynamism in relations among nations in the Horn of Africa (HoA) and expedite their economic, social, and political benefits, academicians said at a panel discussion held recently in Jimma University under the theme: “Ethiopia’s Access to the Sea for Regional Integration and Durable Peace.”
Speaking at the occasion, Jimma University Economics Lecturer Kenenisa Nemi (PhD) stated that Ethiopia’s aspiration to sovereign port access is a timely measure that would bring enormous economic, social and political benefits to HoA nations at large. “Thus, all parties should support this idea instead of showing objection or going against the issue.”
Jimma University Political Science and International Relation Researcher Idiris Yeba (PhD) urged neighboring states should not to be intimidated by the port deal and to weigh its geopolitical significance to the entire region. “Here Ethiopian diplomats need to work tirelessly in promoting the benefit and positive impact of the two sides Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the strategic, but volatile region.”
In a similar way, speaking to a local media, a Political-Economic Analyst for Africa, Lawrence Freeman, stated that leaders of Ethiopia’s coastal neighbors should negotiate on Ethiopia’s aspiration to a long-term lease agreement and infrastructural investment in sea ports.
The analyst believes that the HoA would be a model for economic integration and cooperation in the continent once the countries peacefully settle Ethiopia’s quest to access the sea. In this regard, leaders, engineers, planners and economists of the East African countries should discuss the matter and bargaining options.
The East African leaders should also identify efficient means to utilize and maximize the Red Sea benefits for improved trade and economic cooperation given the kilometers of travel, the port capacity, and production capabilities.
Ethiopia is a growing economy and if we can merge its potentials with neighboring states, East Africa will be a model for economic development on the continent. Also, Ethiopia, Eritrea and other countries in the Horn can serve as a development model if they join hands for development, peace and cooperation.
Ethiopia could transfer shares in strategic companies including Ethio telecom and Ethiopian Airlines to coastal neighbors to materialize its quest for seaports in Eritrea, Somalia or Kenya.
Ethiopia’s direct access to port will guarantee an enduring peace in the HoA and denying the aspiration of the hundred and twenty million people would bring imminent threat for the already volatile region, Ambassador Seleshi Bekele (Eng. PhD) in the recent past told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA).
According to Ambassador Seleshi, those interest groups that are opposing Ethiopia’s aspiration to sea access are opposing its engagement in the regional affairs.
Those groups oppose Ethiopia’s port deal knowing the fact that the accord will not bring any harm to their interest and they simply prefer to keep the country away from development and integration in the strategic region.
Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the globe and the diplomatic cost to reverse such a lack of port access could not be easy. Though, we need to keep moving forward until we ensure at least a single reliable and enduring solution.
The global economy and diplomatic relations are challenging for a country devoid of guaranteed sea outlets. All this aspiration needs to be attained through a meticulous and intensive diplomatic engagement.
The Memorandum of Understanding signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland is not something that happened overnight and it has taken a long discussion and negotiations over the issue. The signed agreement does not relate to anything that could be utilized for creating a hot agenda for others.
The HoA countries agenda should be to integrate themselves for economic and political benefits, not to worsen problems. Climate change, for example, is another agenda which needs much greater concern than trivial political cases.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, the Deputy Head of the Mission, Barkhad Mohamoud Kaariye (PhD) recently stated that Ethiopia’s establishment of a naval base in Somaliland would greatly contribute to pacifying Bab-el-Mandeb, one of the busiest trade routes globally, and prevent rampant piracy.
Having availed a 20-km coastline to Ethiopia, the MoU serves the twin objectives of addressing the former’s long-held quest for seaports and contributing for maritime peace in the HoA. Moreover, the pact is considered a bold step taken to create strong economic ties between the two HoA countries that should be replicated by others, Barkhad emphasized.
“While the MoU aims to benefit over 130 million people living in the two countries, it is also the solution for their economic and political setbacks propelled by lack of sea access and recognition.” According to him, the MoU is part of the big plan that aims to transform the two sides’ historical relations into new heights and cement the legalization and enhancement of people-to-people and commercial relations. “The people of Somaliland expressed overwhelming support and delight over the pact that is expected to facilitate the long-awaited international recognition.”
Mentioning the contribution of Ethiopia’s use of the Berbera corridor in the two sides’ development cooperation, he expressed optimism that the MoU paves a great opportunity for Somaliland’s young population. “In this regard, the accord is instrumental to deter the youth’s involvement in piracy and other illegal activities that is intensified by lack of sovereignty and financial constraints,” he said.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Addis Ababa University Federalism and Good Governance Lecturer Tesfay Jimma (PhD) highlighted the need to push for give and take diplomatic approach to achieve the country’s seaport aspiration thereby build its economy and global influence.
He further stated that, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland in order to accessing seaport to the former is a reasonable agreement that ensures the mutual benefit of the two and promotes sustainable peace and development in the region.
Somaliland has signed various agreements with different countries even these partners came far from the region. So, there is no legal ground that allows accusing Ethiopia for reaching access to sea agreement with Somaliland.
Some historic enemies have been working day in and day out to affect Ethiopia’s economic development and international influence. These countries worry only about their peculiar interests disregarding the role Ethiopia plays for stability and growth of the region.
Egypt has been making several false accusations on Ethiopia since the beginning of the construction of Abbay Dam though it does not contribute a drop of water to Abbay (Nile) river.
It is imperative to understand Ethiopia’s legitimate interests and needs to access the sea and ensure economic security for its people, Peter Pham, a former U.S. Special Envoy for the Sahel and Great Lakes Regions of Africa, said.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, the former U.S. Special Envoy said Ethiopia has played a critical role in providing peace and security throughout the region.
“It has (therefore) every right to expect in return for that same goodwill and understanding for its legitimate interests and needs within terms of access to the sea and secure economic security for its people. It can’t all be a one way street.” Speaking about the MoU signed between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, Pham stated that he has been very encouraged by the historic agreement from the very day of the announcement.
“Why am I so positive? First and foremost, I believe international relations have to be based upon reality — not fiction, not fantasy, not wishful thinking but reality. And the reality is the geopolitics and economics of this Horn of Africa region, which is so vital and changing, shifting before our eyes; and we need to adjust to these.”
According to him, the second part of the reality is Ethiopia’s legitimate interest in having “what I call redundant port structures.” Ethiopia is the world’s most populous landlocked state with 120 million people, and to date, Djibouti has been providing access for the country. But, he added that a great country with 120 million people should not rely on one outlet.
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 TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2024
