Federal Law & Justice Institute deliberated on legitimacy of Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU

Addis Ababa, February 23, 2024 (FBC) – The Federal Law and Justice Institute said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland is legitimate based on legal grounds and international practices.

The workshop held today brought together representatives from Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, House of Peoples’ Representatives and House of Federation as well as other legal institutes, ENA reported.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inked a historic Memorandum of Understanding in Addis Ababa with the President of Somaliland Muse Bihe Abdi on 1st January 2024.

The MoU for Partnership and Cooperation, between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Somaliland, is intended to serve as a framework for the multi-sectoral partnership between the two sides.

Most importantly, the MoU is also believed to pave the way to realize the aspiration of Ethiopia to secure access to the sea, as part of its pursuit of diversifying access to seaports on the Red Sea.

In his keynote address to the workshop, Ambassador Degife Bula, Director General for Federal Law and Justice Institute said that Ethiopia’s desire to have access to sea is a legitimate and genuine approach.

For him, the MoU is vital to unlocking the Red Sea to Ethiopian economy and ensuring mutual benefits.

The director general added that the concerns which some quarters express are in breach of international practices because the MoU enables Ethiopia to pursue its natural quest for ports based on peaceful means, give and take approach, mutual cooperation.

Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland is legitimate and accepted by international norms, the director emphasized.