8- March-2024
The American newspaper Bloomberg reported that Addis Ababa is withdrawing from the issue of recognition after international pressure
Ethiopia is considering scrapping a plan to recognize the breakaway state of Somaliland, amid international pressure to defuse regional tensions over the proposal, according to people familiar with the matter.
Landlocked Ethiopia signed an initial agreement with Somaliland in January that would make it the first nation to recognize the sovereignty of the semi-autonomous region of Somalia, in return for 50 years of access to the Gulf of Aden.
The accord triggered an uproar in neighboring countries, with Somalia saying it would defend its territorial integrity and Egypt and other nations urging caution.
Ruto also discussed this issue with the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who stood firm against Ethiopia’s crime.
Somaliland is trying hard to implement the agreement, but Ethiopia understands the position of the world and how it can be negatively affected politically and economically, if it tries to use military power.
Muse Bihi told the people of Somaliland that he entered into the agreement for the sake of recognition, but according to Bloomberg quoting an important source from Ethiopia, it is preparing to withdraw from this point.