The African Union (AU) Commission‘s Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is attentively monitoring the escalating tensions following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The Chair is advocating for restraint and mutual respect to mitigate the growing tensions between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
He emphasizes the need for both countries to avoid actions that could potentially worsen the relations between these neighboring nations in Eastern Africa.
He underlines the necessity of honoring the principles of unity, territorial integrity, and complete sovereignty of all African Union member states, including Somalia and Ethiopia.
Moreover, the Chair highlights the critical role of upholding the principles of good neighborliness in fostering and strengthening peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The Chair calls on the two nations to promptly engage in negotiations to resolve their disputes amicably, constructively, and cooperatively, enhancing their collaboration to support regional peace and security.
He confirms the African Union’s strong commitment to supporting an African-led resolution to these emerging tensions.
Ethiopia and the autonomous region of Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday that would give Ethiopia access to the sea through Somaliland, according to Ethiopia’s state-run news agency, ENA.