MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somaliland’s newly appointed Overseas Minister, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, on Sunday expressed reservations relating to the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the break-away area’s former President Muse Bihi Abdi and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on January 1, 2024. Regardless of widespread debate surrounding the settlement, Adan revealed that he has but to see the complete particulars of the MOU, which has change into a major level of rivalry.
Earlier than assuming workplace, Minister Adan had been a vocal critic of the deal. His opposition, he defined, stemmed from conflicting statements emanating from each Ethiopia and the previous administration underneath President Bihi.
“What Ethiopia was saying and what the president was saying had been completely different,” Adan advised a parliamentary subcommittee. “The previous president claimed the settlement was a commerce of sea entry for recognition, whereas Ethiopia maintained that recognition would solely be thought of as soon as sea entry was granted. At no level have they (Ethiopia) explicitly dedicated to recognizing Somaliland,” he added.
Though Adan had beforehand opposed the MOU, he emphasised his intention to assessment the doc. “I’ve not but seen the MOU, however I’m dedicated to reviewing it totally,” he said.
The Overseas Minister careworn that Somaliland’s pursuit of worldwide recognition should be approached cautiously and in alignment with the nation’s finest pursuits.
“We are going to search recognition via each potential channel, however we won’t jeopardize our sovereignty or the way forward for our individuals within the course of. Recognition should serve the mutual pursuits of Somaliland and all concerned events,” Adan stated.
He additional clarified that any settlement that dangers compromising Somaliland’s sources or the well-being of its residents could be unacceptable. “If we had been to relinquish our nation, giving it away to a different nation in alternate for recognition, however in flip, permit our sources and our individuals to be managed by others, that might be nonsensical. True recognition, in spite of everything, comes from God,” Adan asserted.
Adan reiterated his dedication to reviewing the MOU and guaranteeing that any settlement made aligns with Somaliland’s nationwide pursuits.
“I guarantee you, if the MOU is in the most effective curiosity of our nation, ensures recognition, and advantages our individuals, we’ll totally embrace it. We’ve made this clear to Ethiopia, and so they perceive that the MOU has but to be introduced to the Somaliland public or its legislative our bodies for assessment,” he concluded.
