Massive Protest in Mogadishu Against MoU Between Ethiopia and Somaliland

A massive display of solidarity with the Federal Government took place in Mogadishu on Thursday as thousands of protesters took to the streets to denounce the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

The protest, which was organized by various political groups and civil society organizations, aimed to voice the opposition to the MoU and its potential implications for the sovereignty and unity of Somalia.

Protesters Demand Rejection of the MoU

The protesters, waving flags and chanting slogans, called on the Federal Government of Somalia to reject the MoU and take immediate action to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity. They expressed concerns that the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland could undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and lead to the fragmentation of the nation.

Many of the protesters argued that the MoU violated the principles of the Somali Constitution and disregarded the rights and aspirations of the Somali people. They demanded transparency and public consultation in any future agreements that could impact the nation’s sovereignty.

International Community Observes the Protest

The protest attracted significant attention from the international community, with representatives from various diplomatic missions and international organizations observing the demonstration. The presence of international observers underscored the global interest in the stability and unity of Somalia.

International observers expressed their support for the peaceful nature of the protest and urged all parties involved to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised by the demonstrators. They emphasized the importance of respecting Somalia’s sovereignty and urged Ethiopia and Somaliland to consider the potential consequences of their agreement on regional stability.

Government’s Response and Future Actions

The Federal Government of Somalia acknowledged the concerns raised by the protesters and assured the public that it would carefully review the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The government reiterated its commitment to protecting Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.

President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, also known as Farmajo, addressed the nation following the protest, emphasizing the government’s determination to uphold the constitution and safeguard the nation’s interests. He called for unity among the Somali people and urged all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the issues surrounding the MoU.

The government plans to convene a special session of the Parliament to discuss the MoU and its implications. Additionally, the President announced the establishment of a task force comprising government officials, legal experts, and civil society representatives to assess the agreement and provide recommendations for the way forward.

Conclusion

The massive protest in Mogadishu against the MoU signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland highlights the concerns of the Somali people regarding their country’s sovereignty and unity. The demonstration, supported by international observers, sends a strong message to the Federal Government and the international community about the importance of safeguarding Somalia’s territorial integrity. As the government reviews the MoU and plans for future actions, it is crucial for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to address the concerns raised by the protesters and uphold the nation’s interests.

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#BREAKING: In a massive display of solidarity with the Federal Government, thousands of protesters took to the streets of #Mogadishu on Thursday to denounce the MoU signed between #Ethiopia & #Somaliland. pic.twitter.com/2clbAEJhR8

— Mogadishu News Now (@MogadishuNewsN) January 11, 2024

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@MogadishuNewsBr said #BREAKING: In a massive display of solidarity with the Federal Government, thousands of protesters took to the streets of #Mogadishu on Thursday to denounce the MoU signed between #Ethiopia & #Somaliland.