It is worth mentioning that Ethiopia’s sea access deal with Somaliland is a major accomplishment in recent diplomatic history on the grounds that the pact plays a paramount role in taking both nations to the next level of success in the shortest possible time. On the heels of the agreement, some groups have been moving heaven and earth to disseminate cooked up stories that do not reflect the existing reality on the ground and hoodwink the international community.
Notwithstanding the fact that some entities did the whole kit and caboodle they could to bring about their villainous mission, all their efforts have been failing to bear fruits. On top of that though they every so often go to the ends of the earth to mislead the wider international community by spreading cooked up stories with the purpose of attaining their objectives, all their undertakings have been going for a burton and going like a lead balloon.
It is learnt that some entities have made an effort to deceive the international community using the logo of the Prime Minister office. Their evil act in black and white demonstrates to what extent Ethiopia’s adversaries have been working day and night to throw cold water on the agreement and they are disappointed in the positive move surfacing between the two nations.
The Office of the Prime Minister advised the public to be cautious of fake content that is currently circulating online pertaining to the MOU with Somaliland.
Official communications regarding local, regional, and international matters are only disseminated through the PMO’s official channels.
“We urge everyone to remain vigilant against such fake content that misuses our official logo,” Office of the Prime Minister added.
Ethiopia’s House of Peoples Representatives (HPR) held its 36th regular session on Thursday. On the subject of the sea gate, the premier said that Ethiopia has made peace for Somalia by scarifying blood. What we still wish for is peace and development for Somalia. Ethiopia’s desire is to get a sea gate in terms of economic growth. This can be realized through discussion based on mutual benefit without hurting anybody. Ethiopia’s question is also acceptable and appropriate. If there is no question on this, it is possible to solve it by talking to each other, as learnt from PMO.
It is worth noting that following the agreement every Tom, Dick, and Harry have been expressing their infinite happiness from both nations. Above and beyond, they have been feeling over the moon and optimistic about the future.
Somaliland is not just dedicated but unwavering in its commitment to implement the sea access deal it entered with Ethiopia recently, reiterated Mohamed Hussien Jama Rambo, member of Somaliland house of parliament.
Speaking of the reaction of Somaliland public, he said in the recent past Somaliland people is happy with the agreement. They welcomed it and expressed joy. Somalilanders are ready for business and are committed to engaging with their neighbors closely to ensure integration. That is enshrined in the constitution.
In a previous interview with The Ethiopian Herald, the MP slammed external intervention while vowing that Hargeisa will not bow down to any pressures.
“We are accustomed to pressures from entities that do not appreciate our development. Yet, we resist these pressures, demonstrating our resilience. We honor agreements. Somaliland will not bow down to any pressure.”
Commenting on the statements of some entities like the Arab League, he said that the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia does not concern the Arab League, and they should not waste their time on such issues.
Previously, Somalia objected Somaliland’s deals with DP World and the U.S., but the objection did not work. It did not impact how these deals were implemented, he added.
Concerning the fictitious stories, various scholars, politicians and ambassadors have been expressing their disappointment in a number of ways.
A case in point, in an interview he recently gave to The Ethiopian Herald, Ambassador Bacha Debele said that those parties who accuse Ethiopia of being reckless on peace and the sovereignty of others just for signing seaport deal with Somaliland have no understanding about the longstanding diplomatic position of Ethiopia.
The country has been working to ensure peace in the region as well as the continent while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. The accusers must understand that the Ethiopian government did not violate Somalia’s sovereignty or border, he noted, saying that it rather doesn’t want to see a disintegrated Somalia.
Ethiopia is known for peacekeeping role not for violating other’s sovereignty as we heard these days from some entities following the port access agreement. The disruptors of the deal must be aware of the fact that Somaliland has signed the same agreement with many nations. It should not be a sin when Ethiopia signs a development agreement as many have been applying it for years.
Ethiopia has been playing a leading role in peacekeeping missions in the continent mainly in the neighboring nation of Somalia in the fight against terrorist organization. Ethiopia has been protecting the government of Somalia encountering the terrorist Al- Shabab militant group.
Ethiopia’s recent port deal with Somaliland is not only a historical and diplomatic victory for the former, but it could also bring about multifaceted benefits, a renowned politician said.
Speaking to the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA), Ambassador Dina Mufti stated that some corporate media have deliberately communicated false information about Ethiopia’s genuine aspiration to seaports and misleading the international community. “The Ethiopian government’s resolute approach in the issue is commendable.”
The government assured that it would never use destructive approaches, and pursued diplomatic appeals. Ethiopia’s coastal neighbors are expected to consider the request not the misinformation as the former’s access to the Red Sea would pave the way for regional integration and ensure mutual benefits.
The significance of sea outlets is that coastal countries are more integrated with the rest of the world than their landlocked counterparts. “Being landlocked is synonymous with staying at home and no one can ensure its security while staying in.”
There are many peaceful mechanisms on the table to materialize the country’s long-held quest for sea access. We should appreciate the government as all of its points are fully peaceful and cooperative. Ethiopia’s request needs swift and negotiable response from neighbors as sea outlet is becoming a matter of existence for the country.
It is recalled that senior diplomats said Ethiopia has reversed false narratives that are circulating its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland and the aspiration to seaports’ sovereign access at large. This remark came at a panel discussion organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) under the theme: “Our diplomacy for our national interest”.
Speaking at the occasion, Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor Ambassador Redwan Hussein stated that some groups falsely accused the Ethiopian government of resorting to the use of force to achieve its port aspiration. “We have chosen the peaceful path to realize the long-held quest to sea access and the MoU was concluded in the win-win approach that ensures mutual benefits.”
Redwan added, “There is also a misunderstanding that our ambition to get sea outlets is fixed in the north and we have also reversed this narrative. We have several alternatives in the region.”
Ambassador Teshome Toga said the Ethio- Somaliland MoU is being misinterpreted by some elements especially by those whose interest is to hinder Ethiopia’s efforts to integrate with the region. “The recognition to be given to Somaliland is not something that happened overnight, but Ethiopia has been working with the latter for many years.”
The MoU is also an instrument to enhance the existing relationship, not to create something that has never been seen. The accord does not violate anything related to Somalia’s national interest.
He added, “We signed a lease agreement, not to incorporate the land. But, the misinformation is something really unmatched with the facts.”
Ethiopia’s pursuit of obtaining seaports in a fair and mutually beneficial manner is getting acceptance and many are supporting it. “Ethiopia’s move to find alternative sea outlets aligns with its Foreign Policy that centers on ensuring mutual benefit. The recent agreement shows that the government’s desire is not to gain ports through invasion and force, but based on the principle of give and take and through peaceful means.
Giving the cold shoulder to the existing reality on the ground, some entities have been making an effort to drag through the mud the positive moves unfolding between the two nations more than ever before. To everyone’s dismay, since the signing of the agreement, Ethiopia’s foes have sustained tarnishing the image of the deal coming up with a wide spectrum of techniques.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflectthe stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 6 JULY 2024
