Historic Memorandum of Understanding: Ethiopia Officially Recognizes Somaliland and Gains 50-Year Maritime Access

On Monday January 1, 2024, the Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia signed a historic memorandum of understanding in which Ethiopia officially recognizes the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign entity, while Somaliland grants Ethiopia naval and commercial access to the sea, in the form of a lease, for a period of 50 years.

This strategic concession opens up new prospects for Ethiopia, which lost its access to the sea in 1993, following Eritrea’s independence.

The MoU was signed in Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihe Abdi.

The MoU goes beyond mere recognition, and is intended to provide a framework for a multi-sector partnership between the two parties. The MoU will pave the way for the realization of Ethiopia’s aspiration to secure its access to the sea and diversify its access to seaports. It also strengthens their security, economic and political partnership.

In addition, the MoU opens a new chapter of cooperation and is of considerable importance for regional integration in the Horn of Africa.