Addis Abeba, January 3, 2024: H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has voiced concern about the tensions caused by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the self-declared area of Somaliland, which is internationally recognized as part of Somalia.
The Chairperson urged the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia to maintain calm and mutual respect in order to reduce tensions. He urged the two countries to take any move that would jeopardize the cordial relations between the two Eastern African neighbors.
He stressed the importance of respecting all African Union member nations’ unity, territorial integrity, and complete sovereignty, including Somalia and Ethiopia.
He also emphasized the necessity of adhering to good neighbor ideals in order to create and sustain peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
He urged the two fraternal countries to immediately begin a discussion process to settle their disagreements in a constructive, peaceful, and cooperative manner, and to strengthen and deepen their collaboration for the benefit of regional peace and security.
He also ephasized that the African Union would remain steadfast in its support for an African solution to this new African crisis.