ATMIS Praises Agreement Between Somalia and Ethiopia to Resolve Longstanding Conflict
Click to start listening
Mogadishu, Dec 13 (NationPress) The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has expressed its approval of a newly signed agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia to resolve their longstanding conflict over Addis Ababa's plans to develop a port in Somaliland, a territory of Somalia.
Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, characterized the agreement, signed in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, as a remarkable demonstration of leadership that is vital for promoting regional peace, security, and stability, as reported by Xinhua.
"ATMIS is steadfastly dedicated to assisting Somalia's state-building and security transition, aligned with the aspirations of the Somali populace and the African Union's vision for a stable and thriving Africa," Souef stated in a declaration made in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, on Thursday evening.
He urged both parties to execute the agreed actions and further enhance mutual trust and collaboration.
Previously, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also welcomed the recent agreement established between the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia regarding the dispute over Somaliland.
"The chairperson commends the communique signed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on December 11 in Ankara, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan," the AU stated in a press release on Thursday.
The AU chief applauded "this significant act of high responsibility on the part of the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia," urging them to promptly implement the agreed measures.
Tensions had been rising between Ethiopia and Somalia after Ethiopia and Somaliland reportedly reached an agreement earlier this year that granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland as an independent entity, a pact that Somalia condemned.
In a joint declaration made in Ankara, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated their respect for and commitment to each other's sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, and agreed to collaborate to finalize arrangements that would allow Ethiopia to gain access to and from the sea.
