Somaliland has accused Turkey of “directly interfering” in the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia. This accusation comes in the wake of a failed second round of talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, which were hosted by Ankara and ended without a resolution.
In a press release, Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed firm commitment to advancing the MoU with Ethiopia, despite recent mediation efforts by Turkey. The statement criticized Turkey’s growing involvement in regional disputes, suggesting that Ankara’s mediation is biased and undermines Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Somaliland’s criticism follows a press conference by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who announced plans for a third round of negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia, scheduled for September 17. Fidan emphasized that the goal of these talks is to ease tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. However, Somaliland’s statement underscores its dissatisfaction with Turkey’s role, portraying it as an infringement on its sovereignty.
President Muse Bihi Abdi of Somaliland also addressed the issue at a rally in Berbera, denouncing Turkey’s perceived disrespect for Somaliland’s sovereignty. “Turkey is not respecting the Sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland, and Somaliland will not accept this,” President Abdi declared. He emphasized that Somaliland will not tolerate any actions that undermine its autonomy or suggest it should be governed from Mogadishu.
The Somaliland administration reiterated its commitment to regional peace and collaboration with neighboring countries but asserted that such collaboration should not come at the expense of its sovereignty.
