By Horn Africa News
HARGEISA – Former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has, for the first time, offered a detailed explanation of why his administration failed to implement the controversial memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Ethiopia earlier this year.
In an exclusive interview, Bihi said the deal collapsed under intense international diplomatic pressure that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed could not withstand.
“The entire world opposed the plan. In particular, Arab states led by Egypt, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the African Union, and major global powers strongly rejected it,” Bihi stated.
According to him, the backlash was so severe it nearly prompted the relocation of the African Union headquarters from Addis Ababa, underscoring the extraordinary diplomatic strain Ethiopia faced.
Bihi also revealed that Djibouti was deeply angered by the MoU, viewing it as a direct threat to regional interests and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The Ethiopia–Somaliland MoU
The agreement, announced in early 2024, included provisions for maritime and political cooperation and controversially granted Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline. The announcement triggered widespread outrage both inside Somalia and abroad.
The Federal Government of Somalia immediately rejected the MoU, describing it as “illegal” and a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mogadishu then entered into a fierce diplomatic standoff with Addis Ababa.
Bihi’s latest remarks now confirm the deal has effectively collapsed under global opposition—although Ethiopia continues to signal its desire to pursue close political ties with Hargeisa.
