The Somali government is denouncing an agreement between Ethiopia and the breakaway republic of Somaliland that would give landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera. The Somali government has denounced the deal as an “act of aggression” and recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia.

Farhan Mohamed Jimale: “Ethiopia’s step is an offensive that endangers the stability and peace of the region, which was already wobbling with problems. It is a violation and an open invasion of Somalia’s sovereignty, freedom and unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The so-called memorandum of understanding and agreement of cooperation is null and void.”

The breakaway republic of Somaliland has not been internationally recognized since seceding from Somalia more than 30 years ago. Access to the Red Sea port is allegedly being exchanged for Ethiopia’s future recognition of Somaliland’s independence, though this has not been confirmed by Ethiopia.