NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) convened its 1192nd meeting on January 17, 2024, to address the escalating situation between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
During the meeting, Ambassador Abdullalie Warfa, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the AU, and Ambassador Ayele Lire, Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the AU, provided briefings that underscored the gravity of the ongoing tensions.
Expressing deep concern, the AU acknowledged the precarious state of affairs following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and the northern region of Somalia (Somaliland) on January 1, 2024. The Council emphasized the potential adverse impact of these developments on the peace, security, and stability of the region.
In alignment with the AU’s commitment to uphold the unity, territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of its Member States, the Council welcomed the statement by Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, issued on January 3, 2024. The statement stressed the imperative need to respect the unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of all AU Member States, including Ethiopia and Somalia.
The Council, in accordance with AU’s Constitutive Act and the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, as well as the Charter of the United Nations, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the unity, territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of all Member States involved.
The statement released by the Council called upon both Ethiopia and Somalia to adhere to the core principles of the AU and international law in their bilateral and international relations. Additionally, external actors were urged to respect the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the two AU Member States.
The AU encouraged restraint from further actions and pronouncements that could strain the strong bonds of good neighborliness, friendship, and solidarity existing between Ethiopia and Somalia. The Council appealed to both nations to de-escalate tensions and engage in meaningful dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the spirit of African solutions to African problems.
Taking a proactive stance, the AU deployed the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His role is to foster dialogue between Ethiopia and Somalia and provide regular updates to the Council as the situation unfolds.