The Swedish government has been asked to prevent conflict and war Somalia is creating by the cooperation agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
Member of Parliament Markus Wiechel who presented a question to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Tobias Billström in the Swedish Parliament on 20 August 2024, demands that he take diplomatic measures to prevent the conflict in Somalia.
Hon. Wiechel’s questions reads as follows;
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which among other things gives Ethiopia access to the port of Berbera, a very important port on the Gulf of Aden adjacent to the Red Sea, will have far-reaching diplomatic and humanitarian benefits in a strategically very important location. This agreement opens up positive effects that affect millions of people in the region and also has the potential to benefit relations between this region and Europe, and not least Sweden.
Ethiopia has a central role in the region as one of Africa’s most populous nations and a rapidly growing economy. By gaining access to a strategically located port, the country’s capacity to participate in global trade is strengthened, which can result in economic growth, improved infrastructure and a strengthened trade balance. It reduces costs and increases the efficiency of import and export operations, which directly affects food security and can improve the standard of living of millions of people.
Cooperation between Ethiopia and Somaliland also promotes regional integration and security, which is important for stabilizing the Horn of Africa, a historically turbulent region. Stability in Ethiopia and its vicinity means a reduced risk of conflicts and humanitarian crises, which of course has a positive impact outside the region as well.
For Sweden and Europe, a stable and economically stronger Ethiopia means improved trade relations and new investment opportunities. It can lead to increased imports of Ethiopian goods and open doors for European technology and expertise to contribute to local development, including a green transition. Stability in the region also reduces migration and refugee pressure towards Europe through improved living conditions in the home countries.
What is worrying in this situation is the fact that Somalia’s unelected president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has threatened war, as well as approached both Turkey and, most recently, Egypt to strengthen their military capabilities. It is thus a dictator, whose ministers include former terrorist leaders, who, despite having no control over his own territory, is prepared to invade the most democratic country in the region. Worse yet, there is extensive evidence that Somalia is at risk of continuing the ethnic cleansing of Somaliland’s dominant clan (Isaaq) that began during dictator Siad Barre’s time in power.
In light of the above, Foreign Minister Tobias Billström is requested to answer the following question:
Can the Minister consider taking diplomatic steps to prevent Somalia from starting an unnecessary war or possible genocide, and if not, what steps can we expect from the Minister and the Government?
The question of MP Wiechel published on the website of the Swedish Parliament said that the response of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Md. Tobias is expected on September 2, 2024.