Somaliland Defense Minister Resigns Amidst Growing Unrest Over Sea Agreement

Somaliland Defense Minister Resigns Amidst Growing Unrest Over Sea Agreement

Somaliland’s Defense Minister, Abdiqani Mohamoud Aateye, announced his resignation, citing opposition to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia. The agreement, which grants Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognition, has ignited widespread anger and condemnation across Somalia.

Aateye revealed his decision to step down during an interview with local Horyaal TV, stating that the resignation followed a meeting with region’s President Muse Bihi. The minister, hailing from the Awdal region, emphasized his disagreement with the controversial sea deal, which has triggered a public uprising in his home region.

The resignation of Somaliland’s defense minister may indicate a potential shift in the Bihi regime’s stance in response to the civilian unrest in the Awdal region. The region has been a focal point of opposition to the MoU, with mass rallies and protests, particularly in Burco and Borama.

In Lughaya district, Awdal region, where Ethiopia plans to build a naval base as part of the sea access agreement according to interview by Ethiopia Prime Minister’s security Advisor, the youth have taken a strong stance against the deal. Armed resistance has been declared, with the message “We will not accept, we fight for our land” echoing through the region.

The controversial sea deal, signed on December 1 by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa, allows Ethiopia naval and commercial sea access on lease for 50 years in exchange for recognition. The agreement has been widely condemned, leading to large-scale protests in Borama and other regions, as well as Mogadishu raising concerns about increased diplomatic tensions and instability in the Horn of Africa.

As Somaliland grapples with internal dissent and a ministerial resignation, the repercussions of the sea agreement with Ethiopia continue to reverberate.

The resignation of the Defense Minister could suggest a possible change in the Bihi regime’s approach, leaning towards a more assertive response to the civilian uprising in the Awdal region of Somalia