MOGADISHU, Somalia – Ahmed Isse Awad, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somalia, has raised alarms over Ethiopia’s growing influence in Somalia. Awad is particularly concerned about Ethiopia’s recent agreements with leaders of Somalia’s regional states, which he believes undermine the central government’s authority and threaten Somalia’s sovereignty.

These concerns come after Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally. The MoU, which grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea through Somaliland, has been met with strong opposition from the Somali government, viewing it as an attack on the country’s territorial integrity.

Awad claims that Ethiopia’s actions, including this maritime agreement, violate Somalia’s independence and could destabilize the region. He warns that Ethiopia’s dealings with regional leaders may lead to further division within Somalia, weakening the federal government’s control.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, however, defends the MoU, stating that it serves his country’s economic needs and does not recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty. This growing tension has drawn international attention, with calls for dialogue to prevent further escalation in the Horn of Africa.