Somalia secures diplomatic victory, safeguarding sovereignty amidst sea access dispute with Ethiopia

Somalia strongly opposed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) suggesting Ethiopia’s access to the sea. Somalia argued that Somaliland is an integral part of its sovereign territory in accordance with international law and the African Union Charter.

Somalia vehemently rejects any compromise on its territorial boundaries, citing a strong commitment to international law, particularly the principles of state sovereignty recognized by the United Nations Charter. This adherence asserts that nations have the inherent right to govern their internal and external affairs without external interference. Somalia specifically opposes any challenge to its established territorial boundaries, emphasizing the inviolability of borders and the protection of sovereign rights.

The rejection of the sea access agreement, which acknowledges Somaliland as part of Somalia’s sovereign territory, is grounded in the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States. This convention outlines criteria for statehood, and Somalia’s stance aligns with these principles, reinforcing the importance of respecting established borders and safeguarding sovereign rights.