The U.S. government has refuted claims circulating on social media that U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mike Hammer (pictured) praised a controversial agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia during his recent visit to Addis Ababa. The U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu issued a statement on platform X, clarifying that these reports are false.
The false claims originated from a fabricated report allegedly published by “The African Herald,” a non-existent news outlet. The report, which included a photoshopped image designed to appear as a newspaper cutout, suggested that Hammer praised the diplomatic efforts of President Muse Bihii of Somaliland. In reality, Hammer made no such statements. During the 42nd Extraordinary Session of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), Hammer expressed concerns over the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland.
On January 1, 2024, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed an MOU granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s coastline. This agreement includes establishing a naval and commercial port for Ethiopia in Somaliland, which Ethiopia hopes will diversify its access to seaports and bolster regional integration.
The Somali government strongly condemned the MOU, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. In response, Somalia recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia and declared the agreement “null and void.” Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud criticized the deal, stating it undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and provides a recruitment opportunity for militant groups like Al-Shabab. Protests erupted in Mogadishu against the agreement, and Somalia appealed to international bodies like the United Nations and the African Union for support.
The U.S. has expressed significant concern over the agreement. Mike Hammer reiterated the U.S.’s respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, emphasizing that the U.S. recognizes Somalia’s sovereignty, which includes Somaliland. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that the agreement could destabilize the region and embolden militant groups like Al-Shabab.
The African Union has called for restraint and meaningful dialogue between Ethiopia and Somalia to resolve the issue peacefully. The AU reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the territorial integrity of all member states. The East African trade bloc IGAD scheduled a meeting to address the rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Ethiopia, which has been landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has long sought access to the Red Sea. The agreement with Somaliland is seen as a strategic move to secure maritime access and enhance Ethiopia’s regional influence
