The Somali government has firmly denied the recent claim made by Ethiopia regarding its sea territory. The dispute arose when Ethiopia announced its plans to establish a naval base in the town of Berbera, located in the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland. The Somali government has rejected Ethiopia’s claim, asserting that it has no legal authority or jurisdiction over Somali waters.
The Somali government’s position is based on international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). According to UNCLOS, coastal states have sovereign rights over the waters extending 12 nautical miles from their coastlines. Beyond that, states have exclusive economic zones (EEZ) extending up to 200 nautical miles, where they have special rights to explore and exploit natural resources.
In this case, Somalia argues that the waters around Berbera fall within its EEZ, and therefore, any foreign military presence or activities require its consent. The Somali government has emphasized the importance of respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Furthermore, Somalia has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the Ethiopian naval base on regional stability. The government fears that it could escalate tensions and trigger a regional arms race. Somalia has called for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions to resolve the dispute and maintain regional peace and security.
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, urging both Somalia and Ethiopia to engage in peaceful negotiations and find a mutually acceptable resolution. The dispute highlights the complex nature of maritime boundaries and the need for countries to adhere to international law in resolving such disputes.