Somali Magazine – Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has vowed assistance for Somalia in the midst of a dispute with Ethiopia over a sea access agreement with Somaliland.
Ethiopia secured a deal to use one of Somaliland’s seaports on Monday, provoking criticism from Somalia.
Somalia, which considers Somaliland to be part of its territory, has slammed the agreement, calling it a “aggression” and a breach of its sovereignty.
Somaliland seceded from Somalia in 1991 but is not recognized internationally as an independent state.
Mr Sisi pledged “Egypt’s firm position to stand by Somalia and support its security and stability” in a phone call with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, according to Mr Sisi’s spokesman Ahmed Famy on Tuesday, adding that the two leaders also discussed “regional developments” and bilateral relations.
According to the Somalia presidency, President Mohamud also spoke via phone with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad, about bilateral and regional relations of mutual interest.
The European Union bloc has criticized the agreement, demanding Somalia’s “unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity” to be respected.
“This is critical for the overall peace and stability of the Horn of Africa region,” the EU stated in a statement.