MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, on Sunday expressed reservations regarding the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the break-away region’s former President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on January 1, 2024. Despite widespread debate surrounding the agreement, Adan revealed that he has yet to see the full details of the MOU, which has become a significant point of contention.
Before assuming office, Minister Adan had been a vocal critic of the deal. His opposition, he explained, stemmed from conflicting statements emanating from both Ethiopia and the former administration under President Bihi.
“What Ethiopia was saying and what the president was saying were different,” Adan told a parliamentary subcommittee. “The former president claimed the agreement was a trade of sea access for recognition, while Ethiopia maintained that recognition would only be considered once sea access was granted. At no point have they (Ethiopia) explicitly committed to recognizing Somaliland,” he added.
Although Adan had previously opposed the MOU, he emphasized his intention to review the document. “I have not yet seen the MOU, but I am committed to reviewing it thoroughly,” he stated.
The Foreign Minister stressed that Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition must be approached cautiously and in alignment with the nation’s best interests.
“We will seek recognition through every possible channel, but we will not jeopardize our sovereignty or the future of our people in the process. Recognition must serve the mutual interests of Somaliland and all involved parties,” Adan said.
He further clarified that any agreement that risks compromising Somaliland’s resources or the well-being of its citizens would be unacceptable. “If we were to relinquish our country, giving it away to another nation in exchange for recognition, but in turn, allow our resources and our people to be controlled by others, that would be nonsensical. True recognition, after all, comes from God,” Adan asserted.
Adan reiterated his commitment to reviewing the MOU and ensuring that any agreement made aligns with Somaliland’s national interests.
“I assure you, if the MOU is in the best interest of our country, ensures recognition, and benefits our people, we will fully embrace it. We have made this clear to Ethiopia, and they understand that the MOU has yet to be presented to the Somaliland public or its legislative bodies for review,” he concluded.
