The African Union (AU) and the United States jointly appeal for calm in the Horn of Africa following heightened tensions over a controversial deal between Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Somalia describes the agreement as an “aggression” and “blatant assault” on its sovereignty, while the US rejects international recognition for Somaliland and urges diplomatic dialogue.
AU Commission chair Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasizes the imperative to respect unity, territorial integrity, and full sovereignty of all member states, calling for a negotiation process to settle differences and avoid unintentional actions that could strain relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The deal grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through Somaliland, including commercial maritime services and a military base, in exchange for leasing 20 kilometers of coastline for 50 years.
