Mereja.Forum

[Horus]

"Okay, I need to figure out the current status of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland as of January 29, 2025. Let me start by going through the provided search results to gather relevant information.

First, I notice that the MoU was signed on January 1, 2024, between Somaliland's President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The main points were Ethiopia getting sea access via Somaliland's Berbera port in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's sovereignty. However, there's conflicting information about Ethiopia's actual recognition. Webpage 1 mentions that Ethiopia would formally recognize Somaliland, but webpage 3 and others suggest Ethiopia hasn't confirmed this, only agreeing to assess recognition efforts.

Somalia's reaction was strong; they nullified the MoU and expelled Ethiopian diplomats. This led to regional tensions, with Egypt supporting Somalia and deploying troops there. Turkey mediated talks, resulting in the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, which aimed to ease Ethiopia-Somalia tensions. The declaration mentions Ethiopia accessing the sea through Somalia's sovereign ports, which might undermine the original MoU with Somaliland.

Now, looking at more recent webpages (since today is 2025-01-29), webpage 2 and 9 from January 2025 indicate that Somaliland's new government, under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, is reviewing the MoU. They're critical of its ambiguity and want to ensure it benefits Somaliland's recognition. Ethiopia, however, canceled the MoU after negotiations with Somalia, as per webpage 2 and 9. But webpage 6 (from December 2024) states Somaliland insists the MoU is still valid despite the Ethiopia-Somalia deal. There's a contradiction here.

Webpage 7 and 8 from January 2025 mention that Ethiopia and Somalia have restored diplomatic ties, with Ethiopia agreeing to access the sea under Somalia's sovereignty. The African Union commended this, but it's unclear if the original MoU is entirely void. Analysts in webpage 6 suggest the Ankara Declaration might have voided the MoU, but Somaliland disagrees.

Webpage 10, a detailed analysis from January 27, 2025, explains that the MoU still stands as a counterweight for Ethiopia if Somalia doesn't deliver on sea access. So, even with the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Somalia, the MoU isn't completely dead but is under review by Somaliland's new government.

Putting it all together: The MoU's status is in flux. Ethiopia has canceled it (per some sources), but Somaliland's new administration is reviewing it. The Ankara Declaration and restored Ethiopia-Somalia relations complicate things, but Somaliland maintains the MoU is valid. There's ambiguity in Ethiopia's stance—publicly engaging with Somalia but possibly keeping the MoU as a backup. Regional dynamics with Egypt, Turkey, and others also play a role in keeping the situation uncertain.

As of January 29, 2025, the status of the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains complex and contested, marked by diplomatic tensions, shifting regional alliances, and ongoing reviews by Somaliland's new government. Below is a detailed analysis of the current situation:
1. Original MoU and Key Provisions

The MoU, signed on January 1, 2024, granted Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s Red Sea port of Berbera for 50 years, including a 20 km stretch for military and commercial use. In exchange, Ethiopia would become the first African nation to formally recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty, a long-standing goal for the breakaway region136. However, the exact terms of recognition were ambiguous, with Ethiopia stating it would "consider recognition" only after securing sea access, while Somaliland insisted recognition was part of the agreement212.
2. Regional and International Reactions

Somalia’s Opposition: Somalia declared the MoU "null and void," calling it a violation of its territorial integrity. It expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador and closed Ethiopian consulates18.

Global Backlash: The African Union (AU), Arab League, EU, and the U.S. reiterated support for Somalia’s sovereignty, urging dialogue310.

Egypt’s Involvement: Egypt deployed troops to Somalia and formed a regional axis with Eritrea and Somalia to counter Ethiopia’s influence15.

3. Turkey’s Mediation and the Ankara Declaration

In December 2024, Turkey brokered the Ankara Declaration, which eased tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. The agreement:

Committed Ethiopia to pursuing sea access through Somalia’s sovereign ports (e.g., Berbera or Kismayu) rather than via Somaliland78.

Led to restored diplomatic ties, with Ethiopia agreeing to participate in the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)810.

Left the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU in limbo, with analysts suggesting it was effectively "voided"7.

4. Somaliland’s Stance and Domestic Politics

New Government Review: Somaliland’s newly elected president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, announced a review of the MoU to ensure clarity on recognition and alignment with national interests. Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden criticized the agreement as ambiguous, noting Ethiopia’s conditional language on recognition212.

Continued Assertions: Despite the Ankara Declaration, Somaliland maintains the MoU is "binding" and distinct from Ethiopia-Somalia relations. It insists the deal remains valid and is pursuing formal legal ratification712.

5. Ethiopia’s Strategic Ambiguity

Ethiopia has not explicitly abandoned the MoU but has prioritized reconciliation with Somalia under international pressure. Key developments include:

Dual Engagement: Ethiopia is negotiating sea access through Somalia while keeping the Somaliland MoU as a potential alternative, reflecting its "all options" approach713.

Regional Security: Ethiopia seeks to counter Egypt’s influence in Somalia and ensure its troops remain part of AU peacekeeping missions1013.

6. Implications and Future Outlook

Recognition Prospects: Somaliland’s recognition remains unlikely without broader AU or UN backing, despite its democratic governance and stability17.

Regional Stability: The MoU has heightened proxy conflicts, with Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE vying for influence. The AU has praised Ethiopia-Somalia détente but warns of lingering risks1013.

Economic Stakes: Ethiopia’s need for sea access and Somaliland’s desire for investment (e.g., a stake in Ethiopian Airlines) keep the deal relevant, albeit contested613.

Conclusion

The Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU is not fully canceled but remains under review and politically sensitive. While the Ankara Declaration shifted Ethiopia’s focus to Somalia, Somaliland continues to push for recognition, and Ethiopia retains the MoU as leverage. The situation underscores the Horn of Africa’s fragility, where geopolitical rivalries and unresolved sovereignty claims perpetuate uncertainty."

[Somaliman]

"Okay, I need to figure out the current status of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland as of January 29, 2025. Let me start by going through the provided search results to gather relevant information.

First, I notice that the MoU was signed on January 1, 2024, between Somaliland's President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The main points were Ethiopia getting sea access via Somaliland's Berbera port in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's sovereignty. However, there's conflicting information about Ethiopia's actual recognition. Webpage 1 mentions that Ethiopia would formally recognize Somaliland, but webpage 3 and others suggest Ethiopia hasn't confirmed this, only agreeing to assess recognition efforts.

Somalia's reaction was strong; they nullified the MoU and expelled Ethiopian diplomats. This led to regional tensions, with Egypt supporting Somalia and deploying troops there. Turkey mediated talks, resulting in the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, which aimed to ease Ethiopia-Somalia tensions. The declaration mentions Ethiopia accessing the sea through Somalia's sovereign ports, which might undermine the original MoU with Somaliland.

Now, looking at more recent webpages (since today is 2025-01-29), webpage 2 and 9 from January 2025 indicate that Somaliland's new government, under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, is reviewing the MoU. They're critical of its ambiguity and want to ensure it benefits Somaliland's recognition. Ethiopia, however, canceled the MoU after negotiations with Somalia, as per webpage 2 and 9. But webpage 6 (from December 2024) states Somaliland insists the MoU is still valid despite the Ethiopia-Somalia deal. There's a contradiction here.

Webpage 7 and 8 from January 2025 mention that Ethiopia and Somalia have restored diplomatic ties, with Ethiopia agreeing to access the sea under Somalia's sovereignty. The African Union commended this, but it's unclear if the original MoU is entirely void. Analysts in webpage 6 suggest the Ankara Declaration might have voided the MoU, but Somaliland disagrees.

Webpage 10, a detailed analysis from January 27, 2025, explains that the MoU still stands as a counterweight for Ethiopia if Somalia doesn't deliver on sea access. So, even with the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Somalia, the MoU isn't completely dead but is under review by Somaliland's new government.

Putting it all together: The MoU's status is in flux. Ethiopia has canceled it (per some sources), but Somaliland's new administration is reviewing it. The Ankara Declaration and restored Ethiopia-Somalia relations complicate things, but Somaliland maintains the MoU is valid. There's ambiguity in Ethiopia's stance—publicly engaging with Somalia but possibly keeping the MoU as a backup. Regional dynamics with Egypt, Turkey, and others also play a role in keeping the situation uncertain.

As of January 29, 2025, the status of the Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) remains complex and contested, marked by diplomatic tensions, shifting regional alliances, and ongoing reviews by Somaliland's new government. Below is a detailed analysis of the current situation:
1. Original MoU and Key Provisions

The MoU, signed on January 1, 2024, granted Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s Red Sea port of Berbera for 50 years, including a 20 km stretch for military and commercial use. In exchange, Ethiopia would become the first African nation to formally recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty, a long-standing goal for the breakaway region136. However, the exact terms of recognition were ambiguous, with Ethiopia stating it would "consider recognition" only after securing sea access, while Somaliland insisted recognition was part of the agreement212.
2. Regional and International Reactions

Somalia’s Opposition: Somalia declared the MoU "null and void," calling it a violation of its territorial integrity. It expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador and closed Ethiopian consulates18.

Global Backlash: The African Union (AU), Arab League, EU, and the U.S. reiterated support for Somalia’s sovereignty, urging dialogue310.

Egypt’s Involvement: Egypt deployed troops to Somalia and formed a regional axis with Eritrea and Somalia to counter Ethiopia’s influence15.

3. Turkey’s Mediation and the Ankara Declaration

In December 2024, Turkey brokered the Ankara Declaration, which eased tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. The agreement:

Committed Ethiopia to pursuing sea access through Somalia’s sovereign ports (e.g., Berbera or Kismayu) rather than via Somaliland78.

Led to restored diplomatic ties, with Ethiopia agreeing to participate in the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)810.

Left the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU in limbo, with analysts suggesting it was effectively "voided"7.

4. Somaliland’s Stance and Domestic Politics

New Government Review: Somaliland’s newly elected president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, announced a review of the MoU to ensure clarity on recognition and alignment with national interests. Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Aden criticized the agreement as ambiguous, noting Ethiopia’s conditional language on recognition212.

Continued Assertions: Despite the Ankara Declaration, Somaliland maintains the MoU is "binding" and distinct from Ethiopia-Somalia relations. It insists the deal remains valid and is pursuing formal legal ratification712.

5. Ethiopia’s Strategic Ambiguity

Ethiopia has not explicitly abandoned the MoU but has prioritized reconciliation with Somalia under international pressure. Key developments include:

Dual Engagement: Ethiopia is negotiating sea access through Somalia while keeping the Somaliland MoU as a potential alternative, reflecting its "all options" approach713.

Regional Security: Ethiopia seeks to counter Egypt’s influence in Somalia and ensure its troops remain part of AU peacekeeping missions1013.

6. Implications and Future Outlook

Recognition Prospects: Somaliland’s recognition remains unlikely without broader AU or UN backing, despite its democratic governance and stability17.

Regional Stability: The MoU has heightened proxy conflicts, with Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE vying for influence. The AU has praised Ethiopia-Somalia détente but warns of lingering risks1013.

Economic Stakes: Ethiopia’s need for sea access and Somaliland’s desire for investment (e.g., a stake in Ethiopian Airlines) keep the deal relevant, albeit contested613.

Conclusion

The Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU is not fully canceled but remains under review and politically sensitive. While the Ankara Declaration shifted Ethiopia’s focus to Somalia, Somaliland continues to push for recognition, and Ethiopia retains the MoU as leverage. The situation underscores the Horn of Africa’s fragility, where geopolitical rivalries and unresolved sovereignty claims perpetuate uncertainty."

"Okay, I need to figure out the current status of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland as of January 29, 2025.

Sorry, I didn't read it beyond this line, as I thought you had an update on the fraudulent MoU for us and not telling us crap that you've figured out.

[Zack]

Didnt this mou stuff end in 2024
why is horus still beating a dead horse

Dr Zackovich

[Zack]

Now, looking at more recent webpages (since today is 2025-01-29), webpage 2 and 9 from January 2025 indicate that Somaliland's new government, under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, is reviewing the MoU. They're critical of its ambiguity and want to ensure it benefits Somaliland's recognition. Ethiopia, however, canceled the MoU after negotiations with Somalia, as per webpage 2 and 9. But webpage 6 (from December 2024) states Somaliland insists the MoU is still valid despite the Ethiopia-Somalia deal. There's a contradiction here.


Ethiopia cancelled it after the talks in Turkey Horus even ur own deepseek report says this

So why are you still after this mou when u clearly saw that Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to restore relations


Dr Zackovich

[Fed_Up]

Now, looking at more recent webpages (since today is 2025-01-29), webpage 2 and 9 from January 2025 indicate that Somaliland's new government, under President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Cirro, is reviewing the MoU. They're critical of its ambiguity and want to ensure it benefits Somaliland's recognition. Ethiopia, however, canceled the MoU after negotiations with Somalia, as per webpage 2 and 9. But webpage 6 (from December 2024) states Somaliland insists the MoU is still valid despite the Ethiopia-Somalia deal. There's a contradiction here.


Ethiopia cancelled it after the talks in Turkey Horus even ur own deepseek report says this

So why are you still after this mou when u clearly saw that Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to restore relations


Dr Zackovich

The horse read it as “council” instead of “canceled.”

[Horus]

did deepseek say it is cancelled?

[Misraq]

Wutaf Neqay horus,

Ask DeepSeek the following two questions

1) what happened in Tiananmen square in 1989
2) Who is the Dalai Lama?

We are waiting on your take for this. DeepSeek is wutaf neqay for the chinese government while you are wutaf neqay to opdo government

[Zack]

hahaha i wrote should taiwan be independent and they said they threw me some mumbo jumbo about one china policy haha
and yes horus it said cancelled lol

Dr Zackovich