The leaders of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc of eight African countries, have expressed their support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somalia, following a controversial agreement between Ethiopia and the regional administration of Somaliland.
The 42nd IGAD summit, held in Kampala, Uganda, on Thursday, issued a joint statement that reaffirmed the inviolability of Somalia’s borders and called for any deal with Somalia to be approved by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
The statement came after Somalia strongly rejected an agreement that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland on 1 January, granting it access to the sea and a possible military base on the coast, in exchange for a share in Ethiopian Airlines and a promise of future recognition.
Somalia, which considers Somaliland as part of its territory, described the deal as an act of “aggression” and a violation of its sovereignty. It also recalled its ambassador from Ethiopia and urged the UN Security Council and the African Union to intervene.
The FGS delegation, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, presented its case to the IGAD leaders and diplomats, highlighting the negative impact of Ethiopia’s intervention on the unity and stability of Somalia and the Horn of Africa region.
The FGS also reiterated its parliamentary resolution to suspend the “illegal” agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which it said contradicted the bilateral and multilateral treaties of the two countries, as well as the principles of the African Union and IGAD.
