Somaliland’s Unwavering Stand: Safeguarding Sovereignty Amidst Regional Rivalry

Editorial: Since the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia on 1st January 2024, forces against the very existence of Somaliland have emerged.

The objective of the defense deal signed by Turkey and Somalia is to invade the territory of Somaliland. Moreover, Egypt and Somalia similarly concluded a defense pact to wage war on Somaliland. 

"These new unholy alliances that Somalia has entered with Turkey and Egypt are all attempts to thwart the successful implementation of the MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia and to undermine the interests of the two neighboring countries".

It is true that Somaliland’s lack of recognition hinders its access to international forums, particularly intergovernmental organizations.

Nonetheless, with its full sovereign and effective control over its territory, including its sea, Somaliland is fully prepared and resolute in defending its dignity. It unequivocally rejects any interference from Mogadishu, Cairo, Ankara, or any other state or non-state actor.

It is crucial to note that Ethiopia should fully stand up for Somaliland, whom many actors are trying to punish because of the MoU it signed with Ethiopia. As a key stakeholder, Somaliland should be an integral part of and participate in any talks concerning the MoU. We are not going to wait and see. We should sit at the table and air our voices. Only Somaliland can grant or refuse to grant access to the sea. The absence of Somaliland makes these takes doomed to fail.

In fact, Somalia should know better. Egypt does not have Somalia’s interests at heart. It only intends to use Somalia’s territory for its war over the Nile River. Turkey is there to advance its interests in Somalia and Ethiopia. The people of Somalia have been struggling with foreign interventions and proxy wars for the past three decades. It is up to them to accept a new front of proxy war.

However, one crystal clear thing is that Somalilanders will sacrifice their lives to defend their interests and dignity. And we are going to win. The friends of Somaliland – the UK and the US in particular – should not watch from a distance the alliances forming against Somaliland. They should know that Somaliland is a strong state with solid foundations. We are a reliable friend who can be counted on the bad days.

About the Author

Mohamed Hussein Jama (Rambo) is a Member of the House of
Representatives representing Maroodijeeh region. Mr. Jama is a seasoned journalist and formerly newspaper Editor-in-Chief and civil society leader