Somaliland Administration Demands Termination of the “New Deal-Somali Compact”

[Deeq A.]

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (left) feels betrayed by Muse Bihi Abdi, the President of Somaliland administration, who signed a maritime Memorandum of Understanding with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia in January 2024.

Hargeisa (PP News Desk) — The Planning and National Development Minister of the Somaliland administration, Ali Mohamed Diiriye, has sent a letter to donors regarding the Special Arrangement mechanism, which channels development aid to beneficiaries in accordance with the Somali Compact/New Deal. This framework is set to be replaced by the New Partnership for Somalia, introduced during the 2017 Somalia Conference in London.

Mr. Diiriye has called for the reinstatement of the Somaliland Partnership Forum and has urged donors to explore alternative arrangements tailored to Somaliland’s unique circumstances.

The Planning Minister framed his proposal within what he described as “the sensitivity surrounding Somaliland’s self-determination issue.” The shift from sovereignty, previously emphasised by Somaliland administration leaders, to “self-determination” reflects diplomatic pressures faced by the Somaliland government following the maritime agreement signed by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi and Abiy Ahmed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, which was deemed to be a violation of the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia under the International Law.

Reports suggest that the resumption of the Special Arrangement is contingent upon the Somaliland administration retracting the maritime Memorandum of Understanding and demonstrating a commitment to peacefully resolving the conflict in Sool.

© Puntland Post, 2024

The post Somaliland Administration Demands Termination of the “New Deal-Somali Compact” appeared first on Puntland Post.