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The recent allegation report on Somaliland’s Port of Zeila to be invaded is either a hoax or has a hidden agenda.
Allegations.
Spreading false and fabricated allegations are normally a statements that are unproven and untrue in the spirit of deliberateness or deceit. Any news or information released without a valid evidence is usually turns out to be an utter accusation and defamation.
The recent allegation that Somaliland’s Port of Zeila will be invaded and annexed by Ethiopia appears to be either a hoax or have a hidden agenda.
There is no credible evidence to support the claim that Ethiopia is planning to invade Zeila. The port is located in Somaliland, an independent country. An invasion of Zeila would violate international law.
Some analysts believe that the allegation report is a hoax designed to sow discord between Somaliland and Ethiopia. Others believe that the report has a hidden agenda, such as promoting the interests of a particular country or organization.
Regardless of the motive behind the allegation report, it is important to be critical of the information we receive. We should not accept everything we read or hear as true, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as war and conflict.
We should not accept everything we read or hear as true, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as the recent allegations about Zeila. We should also be aware of the potential consequences of spreading false information. False information can lead to fear, panic, and violence. It can also undermine trust in institutions and jeopardize international relations.
If you see or hear information about anything that seems suspicious, be sure to verify it from multiple credible sources before sharing it with others.
Port of Zeila, Somaliland
This new allegation about the port of Zeila is likely a hoax or a veiled attempt by a superpower country such as China or Russia to occupy Zeila and turn it into a military base, using the Ethiopian government as an intermediary. Who on earth can tell the motives behind this claim when there is no evidence to support this accusation?
Related: “The Nile and Red Sea determine Ethiopia’s future. They will contribute either to its development or demise.” stated by PM of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed
Let us not forget that, on the other hand, Russia has recently shown interest in the Port of Zeila in eastern Somaliland, likely due to its strategic interests in the region, such as gaining access to ports and military bases. The Russians and others are aware of the strategic importance of Somaliland’s Port of Zeila and are eager to gain access to it because it would give them naval access to the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime chokepoint between the Horn of Africa and Yemen.
The Russians know that the Port of Zeila would be a valuable addition to their existing naval facilities in Tartus, Syria, and could enable them to become a major force in the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
“Ethiopia demands a plan to discuss the Red Sea.” Abiy Ahmed
Of course, the Ethiopian government has the right to be interested in Somaliland’s ports, just as the Russians do. Ethiopia can ask Somaliland to invest in any port, and Somaliland has the right to accept or decline, No country in the world has the right to demand international territory by force. This includes Ethiopia.
International investment treaties
Further port investment or any other investment in Somaliland by Ethiopia, whether in Zeila or elsewhere, is unlikely until Ethiopia yields its 19% stake in the Port of Berbera, as allocated in the 2017 agreement.
Under international law, no country can legally acquire territory, including ports, from another country through force, pressure, or intimidation. An international agreement to invest in another country’s ports or lands does not give the investing country ownership of the port or land.
The United Nations Charter, the supreme law of international law, prohibits all member states from using or threatening force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any other state. This means that Ethiopia cannot use force to acquire a port from another country.
Related: “From a Single drop to Sea water” PM of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed
Under international law, Ethiopia may request any investment from Somaliland, Somalia, or any other neighboring country, but it cannot legally acquire a port that belongs to another country through pressure, intimidation, or force majeure.
Nevertheless, If Ethiopia is serious about investing in Somaliland’s ports, it would be wise and understandable to first yield its 19% stake in the Port of Berbera, which was allocated to it years ago.
Even if Ethiopia were to invest in a port, it would not give Ethiopia ownership of the port. The port would still belong to the country in which it is located.
The Ethiopian government may negotiate with other countries to lease or use a port or a land, but it cannot legally acquire a port of its own by force or coercion.
It is also worth noting that the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s statement about the port of Zeila is not new. He has made similar statements about Zeila and the Eritrean port of Asmara in the past.
Note to Somaliland parliamentarians and the general public
Individuals, some groups of Somaliland national parliamentarians, and the general public should be reminded to refrain from speaking to the media about matters that are not within their purview, such as the current issue of the Port of Zeila.
Who is responsible for all international affairs, relations and investments?
The current elected government is responsible for all aspects of international investment work, including discussing, approving, or rejecting proposed projects.
The legal and sole responsibility for all international affairs, relations, and investments rests with the executive branch of a government. This is typically the head of state (e.g., president, the foreign minister) and their cabinet.
Related: Dubai: Abiy talks with the UAE to replace shares in Berbera Port with Ethiopian investment in Zeila Port of Somaliland
The executive branch is responsible for representing the country on the international stage, negotiating treaties and agreements, and managing the country’s foreign policy. They are also responsible for attracting and protecting foreign investment.
Although the government may share some of these responsibilities with other branches of government, such as the legislature or the judiciary, it has the final say on all matters of international relations, investment, treaty negotiations, and signing agreements with other countries.
The executive branch remains the primary authority responsible for conducting foreign relations and managing the country’s international affairs, relations, and investments.
In conclusion, Somaliland parliamentarians should focus on their legislative duties and responsibilities, which are paramount to their role. This entails safeguarding, protecting, and preserving their legislative work. The government and nation expect them to fulfill their obligations and duties, nothing more and nothing less.
Also, The Horn of Africa faces another potential armed conflict
Another concerning report is that there is a current risk of armed conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa.
Eritrea is furious over Prime Minister Abiy’s recent remarks and calls to stake a claim on a Red Sea port. Abiy’s comments on the Red Sea have angered the Eritrean government. In recent months, relations between the two former allies have deteriorated significantly.
On the other hand, Ethiopia is aggrieved and offended that Eritrea continues to maintain troops in parts of Tigray, and believes that this could ultimately spoil their relationship.
Also, At the start of the Amhara conflict in August 2023, there were fears that Eritrea might become directly involved. However, this did not happen for a variety of reasons. Still, there are concerns in Ethiopia about alleged Eritrean meddling in Ethiopian internal affairs.
Prime Minister Abiy and President Isaias have been strong allies in the past. They could still rekindle their friendship and negotiate a solution that allows Ethiopia to gain access to the sea and better manage peace in Tigray.
To avoid another catastrophic war between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the two neighboring countries must engage in honest dialogue instead of sniping at each other.
The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.
Ahmed Yasin Mohamed Jama
aymjama@hotmail.co.uk
