Ethiopia’s leader plays down fears of conflict with Somalia over a planned naval port

May 7, 2021

3 minutes read

Ethiopia’s leader plays down fears of conflict with Somalia over a planned naval port
The Chinese warship 'Jing Gangshan 'arriving at Mbaraki wharf to dock in this picture taken on 2 Jan 2014. photo Laban Walloga.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has sought to ease concerns about potential conflict with Somalia regarding Ethiopia’s plans for a naval port in Somaliland. Speaking to lawmakers on Tuesday, Abiy reassured that Ethiopia’s actions are not aimed at inciting conflict but are centered on fostering peace and regional development. His statements came after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia claims as part of its territory.

The deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland involves Ethiopia gaining access to a naval port, which is crucial for the landlocked country’s economic ambitions. However, Somalia has voiced strong opposition to this agreement, as it does not recognize Somaliland’s claim to independence and fears that the port deal undermines its sovereignty. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hinted at a willingness to take military action if necessary to prevent Ethiopia from building the port.

Prime Minister Abiy, while addressing the Somali concerns, stated that his country has no interest in war. He highlighted Ethiopia’s past contributions to peacekeeping efforts in Somalia, where Ethiopian forces have been involved in the African Union mission to combat the extremist group Al-Shabab. Abiy emphasized that the peace and stability of Somalia are directly tied to Ethiopia’s security, adding that “the peace of Somalia is the peace of Ethiopia,” and reiterated his hope to see a “strong and prosperous Somalia” emerge from its current challenges.

In a broader context, Abiy’s administration has been working to secure sea access, which is critical for Ethiopia’s economic growth. This move is part of Ethiopia’s broader strategy to bolster its trading capabilities and reduce reliance on neighboring Djibouti’s port. Despite Somalia’s protests, Abiy’s diplomatic tone indicates a preference for peaceful resolutions and regional collaboration over territorial disputes.

The naval port issue also intersects with broader regional tensions, including Ethiopia’s ongoing construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which has raised concerns in Egypt and Sudan over water rights. Abiy has assured neighboring countries that Ethiopia will share its resources, seeking to allay fears of further regional instability.

Overall, the Ethiopian government has reiterated that its focus remains on fostering peace and economic cooperation within the region, even as tensions with Somalia and other neighbors persist over strategic infrastructure developments like the naval port and the GERD.

This diplomatic balancing act reflects Ethiopia’s growing aspirations in the Horn of Africa, while underscoring the complexities of maintaining peace amid competing national interests. The situation continues to evolve as both Ethiopia and Somalia navigate the delicate matter of Somaliland’s status and the broader geopolitical implications of Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

West African

West African Insurers Urged to Unite Against Climate Risks

Doris Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, has called for stronger regional collaboration among ...

Education

Nigeria Eases University Admission Rules for Arts Students

The Federal Ministry of Education in Nigeria has announced a major reform, removing the mandatory ...

D’Angelo’s

D’Angelo’s Legacy: Soul Icon Passes at 51

Renowned soul and R&B artist D’Angelo, born Michael D’Angelo Archer, passed away at 51 after ...

World Cup

Super Eagles Crush Benin 4-0 in World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding 4-0 victory against Benin’s Cheetahs in a crucial 2026 ...

Features

Countries Aircraft

African Countries with the Largest Military Aircraft Fleets in 2025

Africa’s military aircraft fleets are key for defense, surveillance, and peacekeeping. In 2025, several nations ...

Countries

Top 10 African Countries with Best Salaries in 2025

Africa’s job market is growing fast. In 2025, some countries offer great pay. This list ...

Kanye West

New Documentary Explores Kanye West’s Turbulent Journey

A new documentary, In Whose Name?, directed by Nico Ballesteros, offers an intimate look at ...

japa

Top 9 African Countries Sending Immigrants to the United States

Africa’s influence in the United States continues to expand through immigration. Many individuals from the ...

GOLD_3_6

Top 10 Countries Benefiting from Gold Trading in 2025

Gold trading drives wealth for nations with large reserves. In 2025, countries with significant gold ...

FNB-Stadium

Top 10 Most Expensive Stadiums in Africa for 2025

Africa’s sports infrastructure shines with world-class stadiums built for football, rugby, and major events. These ...

Gold

Top Gold-Producing Countries in Africa for 2025

Africa remains a global leader in gold production, contributing significantly to the world’s supply. In ...

digital-nomad-visa

Top 10 Digital Nomad Visa Countries for 2025

As remote work continues to thrive, digital nomad visas offer professionals the chance to live ...

Latest News

Today in History

Error: cURL error 28: Connection timed out after 5000 milliseconds

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.6223
GH Ghana Cedi12
GM Gambian Dalasi73
GN Guinea Franc8,677.57
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,459.68
CF CFA Franc BEAC564.9573
15 Oct · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 15 Oct 2025 01:05 UTC
Latest change: 15 Oct 2025 01:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?