The recent agreement granting Ethiopia leasing rights to the Red Sea coastline in Somalia’s breakaway Somaliland region has raised national security concerns for the White House, according to administration officials on Tuesday. Despite the deal being inked on January 1, questions arise regarding Washington’s commitment and ability to mediate tensions in this volatile region.
Redwan Hussien, the Ethiopian government spokesman, mentioned at the time of the agreement that it also opened the door for establishing a leased military base on the Red Sea.
John Kirby, Director of Strategic Communications for the National Security Council, informed VOA that the U.S. is actively collaborating with regional partners, including the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc, to challenge the nonbinding memorandum of understanding. Somalia’s government, based in Mogadishu, considers the agreement illegitimate.
“We’re certainly troubled,” Kirby expressed, emphasizing the United States’ support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added, “As we’ve said many times, we support Somalia’s sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and it’s got to be respected.”
The situation is perceived as a potential catalyst for heightened tensions in the region, particularly concerning the autonomy-seeking Somaliland. Governed from Hargeisa, it has pursued recognition since 1991, despite the African Union’s policy opposing changes to colonial borders.
Kirby emphasized the national security implications, pointing out the risk of emboldening Islamist al-Shabab militants, the primary antagonists in Somalia’s civil war. He voiced concern that the recent Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland could disrupt the ongoing fight against Al-Shabab, posing a significant threat to regional stability.
Somalia’s former Foreign Minister, Ahmed Isse Awad, expressed apprehension, stating that the misguided step by Ethiopia jeopardizes the progress made in Horn of Africa cooperation. He also raised concerns about the U.S. losing its moral voice due to its foreign policy, particularly its staunch support for Israel.
Analyzing Ethiopia’s motives, experts noted its logical interest in sea access to serve its growing population. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, a contested chokepoint, is crucial for safeguarding supply chains. Ethiopia, being landlocked, aims to avoid dependence on ports in Djibouti, affected by Yemen’s conflict and aspires to establish itself as a naval power in the region.
Cameron Hudson from the Center for Strategic and International Studies questioned Ethiopia’s capacity to handle the responsibility that comes with regional security. He also raised doubts about Washington’s commitment, stating that the U.S. hasn’t taken meaningful action to address the situation in the Horn of Africa, indicating a perceived lack of seriousness about the stakes involved.
