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Ethiopia reconsiders recognition of Somaliland in port deal amid regional tensions
Ethiopia is reportedly reconsidering its plan to recognise the breakaway state of Somaliland in its new port deal as international pressure mounts to ease regional tensions over the proposal.
Bloomberg reports that sources involved in the matter indicate that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is willing to step back from the controversial deal signed in January, making Ethiopia the first nation to recognise the sovereignty of the semi-autonomous region of Somalia.
The initial agreement, which included a provision for Ethiopia to have 50 years of access to the Gulf of Aden in return, sparked an uproar in neighbouring countries. Somalia strongly asserted its commitment to defending its territorial integrity, while other nations, including Egypt, urged caution.
In a meeting between Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi last week, Bloomberg reported that Abiy expressed willingness to reconsider the deal's “most contentious elements to mend relations with Somalia.” Ethiopian officials have privately informed foreign counterparts about the country's potential willingness to drop its recognition of Somaliland.
Ruto, in an interview with Bloomberg in January, mentioned efforts by his administration to persuade Ethiopia to explore alternative options beyond the demand for a port. However, the specifics of these alternatives remain unclear.
While Ethiopia has not officially withdrawn from the agreement with Somaliland, Abiy continues to express interest in achieving direct access to the coast.
