Why are Somalia and Ethiopia in a deepening diplomatic dispute? | Inside Story

A deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland involving a new naval base, has further worsened diplomatic relations with Somalia.
Its government is furious at the agreement that would give landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. So far it is only a diplomatic dispute.
But why is this rift worsening and could there be wider consequences?

Presenter:
James Bays

Guests:
Samuel Getachew, a political commentator specialising in Ethiopia.
Sharmake Ali, an activist with UK-Somaliland Alliance.
Abdulkareem Jama, Chair of the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies - a think tank based in Somali capital Mogadishu.


@AljazeeraEnglish
#Aljazeeraenglish
#News

[PandaAssociation]

As a proud resident of Awdal state in Somaliland, I firmly denounce the agreement between Isaaqland and Oromania. Their deal does not reflect our interests nor represent us. We stand ready to defend our homeland against any invaders who dare encroach upon our sovereignty. "Viva Somalia 🇸🇴"

[mmohamud]

Ethiopia is landlocked country, she has to follow what the other landlocked countries do. Ethiopia should stop pretending that she doesn’t live in this universe!!!

[abdulkarimdahir]

Abdulkarim Jamac, thanks for clarifying the case in the best way to understand it. You won the debate and well done.

[theancientsancients]

Ethiopia with Israeli imperial style annexation goals is playing with fire ! 🔥 Somalia 🇸🇴 has got the right to defend itself and its citizens

[hkayir]

Aljaseera you need to research how Republic of somaliland and a Italian colony that was a United nation trusteeship joined while somaliland was a independent nation ... 😮.. James you are talking to intelligent people ... Aljaseera do better next time

[Isse-Farah]

It is disrespect for Abdikarim to have debate with such juniors who can't reveal their views probably. It looks to me that he is a highly veteran man. Thanks to him for defending the position of the somali People.

[Diidnay]

I want to say to abiya government to back off

[efremsa]

We Ethiopian people respect the sovereignty of our neighbors, period. We have a long history and reputation of respecting the territory of any nation. So we respect the the sovereignty of our Somali brothers. We are also never interested & intervene in the internal affairs of Somalia. So, I want to tell especially our brother Somali people, please dont misunderstand the Genuine People and the current rulers of Ethiopia.

[POWER]

Respect to you Abdikarim.

I am from SSC and not with the separatist.

[CheckmatedMedia]

True. Failed state of Somalia annexed the republic of Somaliland in 1960 and finally Somaliland restored its sovereignty once it defeated the occupation.

[gatawe]

Never mess with Somalilanders .. thank you sharmake . you make us proud

[SuperDaraman]

Can Somalia close the Somaliland embassy in Adis Ababa, if you can find the answer to that question then it’s very clear that Somalia does not have the power to close the Ethiopian Embassy embassy in Hargeisa.

[Hanok]

somalia have rights to protect its terottory always.

[rodajama]

Abdi Cariim well spoken and true Somailan man, Live for ever.

[AbshirMohamud-npzt]

Also, Somalia should provide asylum and recognition to the groups that are fighting in Ethiopia, such as Fano Olaf and many others 🇸🇴

[abdikarimhajimohamed]

Define Somaliland ? SSC KHATUMO regional state defeated what is called hargeisa clan militias

[ugas]

Every day, Somalia is becoming stronger while Ethiopia is on the verge of collapse in numerous regions.

[mukhtaarducaale]

Somaliland is a stable and strategic country. Somalia is just jealous and they want us to fail like them.
The world should study the reality on the ground and the history.

[mosesadulis]

Ethiopian Government does not control 2/3 of its territory! Ethiopia does not have a functioning government at all !

[dayanwerasi]

The problem is that Ethiopia is obsessed with irredentism behavior.