Ethiopia's Prosperity Party promises to convert the MoU with Somaliland into a 'realistic agreement.

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Ethiopia's Prosperity Party promises to convert the MoU with Somaliland into a 'realistic agreement.

Following a four-day conference, Ethiopia's ruling Prosperity Party (PP) has committed to advancing its controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland into a "practical agreement." This pledge, declared by the party�

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Following a four-day conference, Ethiopia's ruling Prosperity Party (PP) has committed to advancing its controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland into a "practical agreement." This pledge, declared by the party's Executive and Central Committee members, has stirred significant regional tension, especially with Somalia.

The MoU, formally signed on January 1, suggests providing Ethiopia with access to a 20 km section of Somaliland's coastline near the Berbera port for a duration of 50 years. Somaliland would be granted stakes in Ethiopian state enterprises and potential international recognition in return. This initiative has faced strong opposition from the Somali government, perceiving the agreement as a direct challenge to its sovereignty.

The implications of the deal go beyond Ethiopia and Somalia, giving rise to concerns about the stability of the Horn of Africa. Regional and international entities, including the Arab League, African Union, European Union, and the United States, have all reaffirmed their support for Somalia's territorial integrity. The situation is further complicated by the strategic interests of Middle Eastern countries in the region, particularly the UAE and Egypt.

The UAE has emerged as a primary supporter of Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. During the Tigray War, experts speculated that Ethiopia's military received a boost from aerial drones purchased from the UAE.

Meanwhile, Egypt, aligning itself with Somalia in the dispute, has sharply criticized Ethiopia's MoU as reckless adventurism. Egypt's relations with Ethiopia have soured due to the construction and filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, an issue that remains unresolved.

Within Ethiopia, the confrontational MoU is part of the PP's broader strategy discussed in the meeting, addressing economic development challenges and national security concerns. Throughout the summit, the party emphasized the need for peaceful negotiations with armed groups in Ethiopia while also highlighting the reinforcement of law enforcement measures.

Leading up to the final day of the party meeting, PP officials disclosed that Ethiopia's intelligence chief, Temesgen Tiruneh, would replace longtime deputy prime minister Demeke Mekonnen. State-run media reported that Temesgen was elected to succeed Demeke as a vice president of the ruling Prosperity Party. A vice president of the ruling political party typically serves as the federal deputy prime minister.

The president of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland also affirmed that his government would proceed with the agreement. During an interview with Somaliland's state broadcaster this week, President Muse Bihi Abdi stated that Ethiopia is seeking to lease a 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) stretch of coastline for a naval base — contrary to earlier reports indicating commercial activities.