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A memorandum of understanding, reportedly to provide Ethiopia access to the Red Sea for recognizing Somaliland, could hinder international counterterrorism efforts.



(CN) — The White House said Tuesday that it opposes an agreement between Ethiopia and a breakaway region of Somalia, raising concerns the deal could lead to instability and hinder international counterterrorism efforts.

John Kirby, coordinator of strategic communications for the National Security Council, told reporters that the potential recognition of Somaliland by Ethiopia “threatens to disrupt the fight” against al-Shabab, an independent affiliate of al-Qaida.

“We’re certainly troubled now by what’s reportedly included,” he said of the agreement. “We support Somalia’s sovereignty and their territorial integrity, and it’s got to be respected.”

Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding Jan. 1 that reportedly would allow Ethiopia to develop a naval base on Somaliland’s coast in exchange for official recognition of the region as an independent state.

While the news has sparked tensions, there’s som confusion about the deal's exact content, because the full text hasn’t been made public. Somaliland leaders have trumpeted it as granting official recognition, while Ethiopian officials have said it only provides a framework for taking a position on the region.

Revelations wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:18

(CN) — The White House said Tuesday that it opposes an agreement between Ethiopia and a breakaway region of Somalia, raising concerns the deal could lead to instability and hinder international counterterrorism efforts.

'Concern' is the most abused word in diplomatic language. It has no other meaning / purpose than conveying an approval for the action in the discussion; yet, it should be implemented based on the plot / pre-planned agreement. In other words, the term endorses the end but demands more caution to be taken on the means / process.

Abere,

When you assume, you make an a…sss of yourself. The US understands who the Somalis are first hand. You are amateurish wishful politician. Abbiy is fooling the likes of you. If Abbiy has guts, let him recognize Somali Land first.

Dark,
Everything happening to Ethiopia matters me, because I am an Ethiopian. But what is happening to Ethiopia vs. Somalia is none of your business. I am standing for the long-term interest of my country. What business do you have in regards to Ethiopia vs. Somaliland.

Dark Energy wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 10:25

Abere,

When you assume, you make an a…sss of yourself. The US understands who the Somalis are first hand. You are amateurish wishful politician. Abbiy is fooling the likes of you. If Abbiy has guts, let him recognize Somali Land first.

Abere, you sound like a loser already. You are emotional. Like I said, the h…moo looking Galla master of yours is playing you like a fool. You dare start shooting at the Somalis first. They will f..u…ck the shyyyt out of you. They are known for that. F…u..cker, recognizing Somali Land first is the way to go. Do that first coward. We all have opinions because our countries are situated in the middle of backward mentality like yours.

If Somalia were the best fighters where had they been when the European poor and little Italy sat on their back riding them for more than may 50 or 70 years? Had they ever tried to shake off them their backs or were the best comfort to ride them If you were their favorite donkey for their ride, never open your mouth against Ethiopia.

Dark Energy wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 10:37

Abere, you sound like a loser already. You are emotional. Like I said, the h…moo looking Galla master of yours is playing you like a fool. You dare start shooting at the Somalis first. They will f..u…ck the shyyyt out of you. They are known for that. F…u..cker, recognizing Somali Land first is the way to go. Do that first coward. We all have opinions because our countries are situated in the middle of backward mentality like yours.

Unemployed useless wurunchilla Abere,

What the hell does Abere mean anyway, first thing is first. Recognize Somali Land first. Then talk. Then again, the little twerp Galla named Abby, is fooling your retarded brain to the max.

Abere,

Let us converse logically. The Memorandum is nothing but a memorandum until Ethiopia recognizes Somali Land. The little twerp is coward. He signed the MoA and later denied that Ethiopian recognition over Somali Land. You and your kinds were his targets all along. Recognize Somali Land and then talk. If Somali Land is recognized, I promise to reserve my opinion to myself. How about that ?

You can read into it whatever you wish but the US worries about Al-Shabab which it has fought for many years. This move by Abiy Ahimed will motivate al-shabab to act and provide them with new recruits. Why do you think the US would support such moves that counters its efforts and violates its interests?

White House 'Troubled' by Deal Between Ethiopia and Breakaway Somaliland Region

John Kirby, director of strategic communications for the National Security Council, told VOA that Washington was working with partners in the region — including the African Union and the eight-member Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc — to push against the nonbinding memorandum of understanding, which Somalia's government, headquartered in Mogadishu, sees as illegitimate.

"We're certainly troubled," Kirby said, adding: "As we've said many, many times, we support Somalia's sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and it's got to be respected."

Situation could embolden militants, says official

Somaliland, the fragile nation's breakaway province, has long claimed autonomy and governs from the city of Hargeisa. It has sought recognition since 1991, but the African Union's official policy opposes changes to colonially drawn borders.

The situation poses a national security concern, Kirby said, in that it could embolden Islamist al-Shabab militants that have long been the main antagonist in Somalia's brutal civil war.

"What we're particularly concerned about is this [Memorandum of Understanding] inked recently between Ethiopia and Somaliland threatens to disrupt the fight that Somalis, Africans and regional international partners, including us, are waging against Al-Shabab," he said. "Al-Shabab remains a viable terrorist threat in the region, without question. We don't believe that the region can afford any more conflict."

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:36

Revelations wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:18

(CN) — The White House said Tuesday that it opposes an agreement between Ethiopia and a breakaway region of Somalia, raising concerns the deal could lead to instability and hinder international counterterrorism efforts.

'Concern' is the most abused word in diplomatic language. It has no other meaning / purpose than conveying an approval for the action in the discussion; yet, it should be implemented based on the plot / pre-planned agreement. In other words, the term endorses the end but demands more caution to be taken on the means / process.

And here's a more blunt statement from the US. Why would Ethiopia need to get itself tangled in these web of conflicts and war just because Abiy Ahimed wants to stay in power at any cost? Shouldn't Somaliland and Somalia offer their ports to be used to benefit them while providing security must be the deal they offer? If this port deal was made amicably, there wouldn't be any condemnation coming.

US Says No Recognition For Breakaway Somaliland After Ethiopia Deal

he United States on Wednesday rejected international recognition for breakaway Somaliland and called for calm after the region's leaders signed a deal with Ethiopia.

Somalia accused landlocked Ethiopia of attacking its sovereignty after Addis Ababa reached the agreement with Somaliland that gives long-sought access to the Red Sea.

Somaliland, a former British protectorate of about 4.5 million people, declared independence from Somalia in 1991, a move not recognized internationally and staunchly opposed by Mogadishu.

"The United States recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia within its 1960 borders," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters.

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:36

Revelations wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:18

(CN) — The White House said Tuesday that it opposes an agreement between Ethiopia and a breakaway region of Somalia, raising concerns the deal could lead to instability and hinder international counterterrorism efforts.

'Concern' is the most abused word in diplomatic language. It has no other meaning / purpose than conveying an approval for the action in the discussion; yet, it should be implemented based on the plot / pre-planned agreement. In other words, the term endorses the end but demands more caution to be taken on the means / process.

Revelations wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 12:40

You can read into it whatever you wish but the US worries about Al-Shabab which it has fought for many years. This move by Abiy Ahimed will motivate al-shabab to act and provide them with new recruits. Why do you think the US would support such moves that counters its efforts and violates its interests?

White House 'Troubled' by Deal Between Ethiopia and Breakaway Somaliland Region

John Kirby, director of strategic communications for the National Security Council, told VOA that Washington was working with partners in the region — including the African Union and the eight-member Intergovernmental Authority on Development trade bloc — to push against the nonbinding memorandum of understanding, which Somalia's government, headquartered in Mogadishu, sees as illegitimate.

"We're certainly troubled," Kirby said, adding: "As we've said many, many times, we support Somalia's sovereignty, their territorial integrity, and it's got to be respected."

Situation could embolden militants, says official

Somaliland, the fragile nation's breakaway province, has long claimed autonomy and governs from the city of Hargeisa. It has sought recognition since 1991, but the African Union's official policy opposes changes to colonially drawn borders.

The situation poses a national security concern, Kirby said, in that it could embolden Islamist al-Shabab militants that have long been the main antagonist in Somalia's brutal civil war.

"What we're particularly concerned about is this [Memorandum of Understanding] inked recently between Ethiopia and Somaliland threatens to disrupt the fight that Somalis, Africans and regional international partners, including us, are waging against Al-Shabab," he said. "Al-Shabab remains a viable terrorist threat in the region, without question. We don't believe that the region can afford any more conflict."

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:36

Revelations wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:18

(CN) — The White House said Tuesday that it opposes an agreement between Ethiopia and a breakaway region of Somalia, raising concerns the deal could lead to instability and hinder international counterterrorism efforts.

'Concern' is the most abused word in diplomatic language. It has no other meaning / purpose than conveying an approval for the action in the discussion; yet, it should be implemented based on the plot / pre-planned agreement. In other words, the term endorses the end but demands more caution to be taken on the means / process.

Im not denying USA's, which is considered as one of the ‘Christian crusaders in East Africa’ by Al-Shabaab, concern on this deal. I myself worry much about the possible terror attack in cities than the conventional war between the two countries (Ethiopia and Somalia) at the border. However, USA’s main (probably the only) worry is that how the militant group will react following the agreement. Otherwise, they don’t really care if Somaliland will be recognized as a country and/or Ethiopia gets a naval base in the area. What they have told us in a couple of briefs to be concerned and stand firm on ‘Somalia’s territorial integrity’ is simply a hoax.

It's everyone’s guess that the slave Oromuma gov’t had already delt the matter thoroughly with its Master (USA) before unveiling it to the rest of the world. It is also my personal assumption that this 'port' deal has a hidden agenda to suffocate the militants in Main Somalia. As Al Shabaab is not reacting and their (Ethiopia and USA's) plot to counteract is not tested yet, of course, they are nervous and 'concerned' for their own cause.

What's your stand on this port deal? Do you have any proof to share here with us that shows the US has approved this deal secretly and cleared Abiy Ahimed to do so as your post implies? Why would the US be shy about this deal if it benefits from it?

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 14:18

Im not denying USA's, which is considered as one of the ‘Christian crusaders in East Africa’ by Al-Shabaab, concern on this deal. I myself worry much about the possible terror attack in cities than the conventional war between the two countries (Ethiopia and Somalia) at the border. However, USA’s main (probably the only) worry is that how the militant group will react following the agreement. Otherwise, they don’t really care if Somaliland will be recognized as a country and/or Ethiopia gets a naval base in the area. What they have told us in a couple of briefs to be concerned and stand firm on ‘Somalia’s territorial integrity’ is simply a hoax.

It's everyone’s guess that the slave Oromuma gov’t had already delt the matter thoroughly with its Master (USA) before unveiling it to the rest of the world. It is also my personal assumption that this 'port' deal has a hidden agenda to suffocate the militants in Main Somalia. As Al Shabaab is not reacting and their (Ethiopia and USA's) plot to counteract is not tested yet, of course, they are nervous and 'concerned' for their own cause.

Revelations wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 15:43

What's your stand on this port deal? Do you have any proof to share here with us that shows the US has approved this deal secretly and cleared Abiy Ahimed to do so as your post implies? Why would the US be shy about this deal if it benefits from it?

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 14:18

Im not denying USA's, which is considered as one of the ‘Christian crusaders in East Africa’ by Al-Shabaab, concern on this deal. I myself worry much about the possible terror attack in cities than the conventional war between the two countries (Ethiopia and Somalia) at the border. However, USA’s main (probably the only) worry is that how the militant group will react following the agreement. Otherwise, they don’t really care if Somaliland will be recognized as a country and/or Ethiopia gets a naval base in the area. What they have told us in a couple of briefs to be concerned and stand firm on ‘Somalia’s territorial integrity’ is simply a hoax.

It's everyone’s guess that the slave Oromuma gov’t had already delt the matter thoroughly with its Master (USA) before unveiling it to the rest of the world. It is also my personal assumption that this 'port' deal has a hidden agenda to suffocate the militants in Main Somalia. As Al Shabaab is not reacting and their (Ethiopia and USA's) plot to counteract is not tested yet, of course, they are nervous and 'concerned' for their own cause.

Hello Revelations; you asked me three questions and will give you a very short answers here. For my stand on the deal, it is obvious that a port is needed not to harbor the jingoistic leaders' jet ski. In one way or another, it is for the benefit of the country. Hence, I would support any JUSTIFIED means / deal to make it happen. However, the one that is made with Somaliland for a return of 'recognition as autonomous country' is not acceptable. There are a lot of factors to consider and respect, a few stakeholders to consent before jumping in to this deal ... like the Main-land Somalis governing constitution and so on. Besides, if 'what's good for the goose is good for the gander,' then what is BAD for the goose is BAD for the gander. It is the same principle as "do unto others as you wish to be done for you." You know what I mean here as it is too clear.

Regarding your second question, honestly there are some Amharic youtube channels who reported that USA was pre-informed on the issue. Unfortunately, there is hardly one youtube channel that I trust its news. Therefore, it will be shame on me to cite that as my source. However, in addition to my previous post admission to put the matter as 'everyone's guess', please listen (between the lines) the following two media posts for your own critical analysis.

"ኢትዮጵያ ኣንድ የሆነ የባህር በር ሊኖራት ይገባል በሆነ መንገድ የሚለው ብዙዎች እየገዙት የመጣ ነው። አትጋጩ፣ ችግር አትፍጠሩ፣ በሰላማዊ መንገድ በትዕግስት የሚመጣበትን መንገድ ሂዱ ነው እንጂ የሚለው ... ኢትዮጵያ በዚህ መንገድ በአዎንታዊነት ሚና ልጫወት ማለቷም ተገቢ ነው የሚለውን አጀንዳ ማድረግ ተችሏል።" የጠቅላይ ሚንስትሩ የብሔራዊ ደህንነት አማካሪ





On your last question, USA is not shy on this matter but playing shrewd and there are a lot of reasons for that. I'm not going to discuss it here as it would become wearisome for me.

P.S. Don't forget that before we hear anything publicly from 4kilo, it was Washington that warned any military move for Asab port would be inexpedient.

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 20:06

On your last question, USA is not shy on this matter but playing shrewd and there are a lot of reasons for that. I'm not going to discuss it here as it would become wearisome for me.

P.S. Don't forget that before we hear anything publicly from 4kilo, it was Washington that warned any military move for Asab port would be inexpedient.

Hello Assegid S. I will not use EBC as a source of credible information in this matter. Hence why I didn't watch the videos you provided.

Abiy Ahimed openly offered to be hired to provide Ethiopian soldiers for the West or anyone else who may want to buy blood for $$$. In this case UAE is behind this port deal.

There was a port lease deal Ethiopia was offered 19% shares which no one objected to but the deal fell through because the funds that could be used for these purposes was spent on war. Clearly no one opposes a legal port deal that doesn't lead to any form of war.

Waiting for Ethiopia: Berbera port upgrade raises Somaliland’s hopes for trade
Published: August 24, 2022

The concession allowed Somaliland’s government to retain 30% of the shares in the port, 19% for Ethiopia, and 51% for DP World. But in June 2022, Somaliland announced that Ethiopia had failed to acquire its 19% share of Berbera port. Ethiopia failed to meet the conditions.

Is the Prime Minister of Ethiopia rebuilding his country or tearing it apart?

Over dinner, at a long table by a swimming pool, we listened as Abiy spoke about how Ethiopia could be useful to its allies. For one thing, he suggested, Ethiopia could “fight their wars” for them. He had noticed that Westerners no longer seemed eager to send their sons into combat, but Ethiopians were good fighters, he said, and did not have the same qualms.

Ethiopia’s relationship with the United States was a preoccupation for Abiy. During a helicopter trip through the countryside, he turned away from the view and declared how much he “loved” the U.S. “Really,” he said. “America is a beautiful country. And the Americans are very good people. And I know the country, maybe better than some Americans! I’ve driven from Washington all the way to California.” In the mid-two-thousands, Ethiopia became a regional ally of the U.S., sending troops to invade Somalia to fight Al Shabaab, an insurgent group linked to Al Qaeda. After Abiy’s time in the military, he worked for the government in cybersecurity and intelligence and spent some time in U.S. training programs. “In the Iraq War, I fought with them,” he said. “I was the one who would send intelligence from this part of the world to the N.S.A., on Sudan and Yemen and Somalia. The N.S.A. knows me. I would fight and die for America.”

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:36

Revelations wrote: ↑

17 Jan 2024, 08:18

(CN) — The White House said Tuesday that it opposes an agreement between Ethiopia and a breakaway region of Somalia, raising concerns the deal could lead to instability and hinder international counterterrorism efforts.

'Concern' is the most abused word in diplomatic language. It has no other meaning / purpose than conveying an approval for the action in the discussion; yet, it should be implemented based on the plot / pre-planned agreement. In other words, the term endorses the end but demands more caution to be taken on the means / process.

Ato Assegid S.
Is it clear now?

https://x.com/AsstSecStateAF/status/174 ... 22004?s=20

Hello Revelations; everything is clear I commented on the term from the context of general diplomatic correspondences; and you didn't buy it as the concern from the perspective of security threat (from Al Shaabab) is genuine. I agree on that and it is my concern too.

Not only on that, I share your view that Ethiopia's state controlled media are not trustworthy too. However; it's really good to listen them to know their way of thinking and explanation of political events based on the directives from the top seats. Yet, regarding the issue we were talking, I believed there was no other suitable media to refer than EBC. It is like listening from the horse's mouth. The information that the national security advisor 'admitted' should have been denied. Because; rather than putting point / value on their diplomatic engagement, it taints the state as spineless / slave to move on its own.

Have a great Ethiopian Epiphany

Oy! I didn't know you can twists facts so much! What you summed up here is not even close enough to what I have been presenting in this thread. And you till trying to push EBC to me as if what is presented in global media has missed the mark. Good to know this side of you! Have a good day!

Assegid S. wrote: ↑

20 Jan 2024, 12:04

Hello Revelations; everything is clear I commented on the term from the context of general diplomatic correspondences; and you didn't buy it as the concern from the perspective of security threat (from Al Shaabab) is genuine. I agree on that and it is my concern too.

Not only on that, I share your view that Ethiopia's state controlled media are not trustworthy too. However; it's really good to listen them to know their way of thinking and explanation of political events based on the directives from the top seats. Yet, regarding the issue we were talking, I believed there was no other suitable media to refer than EBC. It is like listening from the horse's mouth. The information that the national security advisor 'admitted' should have been denied. Because; rather than putting point / value on their diplomatic engagement, it taints the state as spineless / slave to move on its own.

Have a great Ethiopian Epiphany