January 2025 – Mogadishu, Somalia:- Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has issued a stern warning regarding the Ankara Declaration signed between Somalia and Ethiopia, criticizing the Federal Government’s approach to negotiations and cautioning against what he described as a “serious violation of Somalia’s nationalism.”
Khaire highlighted the events of January 1, 2024, when Ethiopia allegedly launched what he termed an “open invasion” of Somalia following an agreement with the former President of Somaliland. This agreement, he argued, undermined Somalia’s sovereignty and sparked outrage among the Somali government and its citizens.
“The Federal Government promised not to enter into dialogue with Ethiopia until it officially withdrew from this illegal agreement,” Khaire noted. He emphasized that any talks with Ethiopia should be conditional on the annulment of the January 2024 agreement, which, in his view, jeopardizes the unity and independence of Somalia by allowing Ethiopia access to Somali territorial waters.
A Call for National Unity and Strengthened Diplomacy
Describing the agreement as a “buried volcano” that could erupt at any time, Khaire urged President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to prioritize Somali nationalism and unity in negotiations with Ethiopia. He called for decisive political measures to address ongoing internal conflicts and political tensions, which he argued were weakening the fabric of the Somali nation.
“The Somali people and government must be vigilant about the dangers posed by this illegal agreement and the Federal Government’s unprocessed decisions that threaten the future of Somalia,” Khaire said.
Khaire’s remarks come amid mounting debates over the Ankara Declaration, with critics warning that it could exacerbate political divisions and threaten the country’s stability. He urged the Somali leadership to give priority to addressing internal challenges, strengthening national solidarity, and ensuring that Somalia’s sovereignty remains intact.
The former Prime Minister’s statements have sparked fresh discussions among Somali political circles, raising questions about the long-term implications of the government’s diplomatic engagements with Ethiopia and their impact on Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.