#Araweelo News Network

The “Tom and Jerry Policy of Villa-Somalia

The diplomatic exchanges between Villa Somalia and Ethiopia continue to expose the fragmented and inconsistent nature of the Somali government’s foreign policy. The stark contradictions between recent statements from Villa Somalia’s officials—oscillating between promises of access to Ethiopian interests and outright denials—reflect a lack of unified strategic vision. This inconsistency undermines their credibility and highlights internal discord within Somali political leadership.

Key Observations:

Contradictory Messaging: The stark difference between the statements made by Villa Somalia’s Minister of State in Addis Ababa and the Foreign Minister’s remarks in Cairo reveals a reactive and opportunistic approach. These discrepancies create an impression of disorganization, undermining Somalia’s position in negotiations with regional powers.

Internal Political Divisions: The fierce resistance from Somali politicians against any form of access to Ethiopian sea routes signals a critical and contentious issue at the forefront of Somali politics. This backlash is a stark indication of the deep divisions among political factions, each firmly entrenched in their own priorities concerning national sovereignty and economic collaboration. These disagreements are not merely political squabbles; they encapsulate the broader fragmentation within the governance structure of Villa Somalia. As various groups aggressively pursue their interests, these internal conflicts pose significant challenges to establishing a cohesive national policy on relations with Ethiopia and securing vital maritime access.

“The “Tom and Jerry Policy“

Dynamics: This analogy serves as a fitting representation of the ongoing and often reactive relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia. In this context, Somalia frequently shifts its diplomatic positions in response to immediate circumstances and regional developments, reflecting a more impulsive approach to international relations. Conversely, Ethiopia adopts a more calculated strategy, focusing on long-term objectives and opportunities. A key aspect of Ethiopia’s strategy is its established access to the Berbera corridor via Somaliland, which plays a crucial role in its economic and logistical planning. This corridor not only enhances Ethiopia’s trade routes but also positions it as a vital player in the Horn of Africa, allowing it to leverage its geographic advantages while navigating the complex dynamics of its relationship with Somalia.

Somaliland’s Clear Stance, Somaliland has established itself as the primary authority over its ports and coastal areas. The Berbera corridor, already operational and facilitating trade between Ethiopia and the Red Sea, is a cornerstone of Somaliland’s economic strategy. Unlike Villa Somalia, Somaliland exhibits consistent and sovereign control over its agreements, ensuring external actors cannot bypass its authority.

Geopolitical Implications, The completed road connecting Berbera to Togwajale solidifies Ethiopia’s reliance on Somaliland for maritime access. This underscores the futility of any agreements or discussions between Ethiopia and Villa Somalia concerning port access, as they lack both legitimacy and feasibility.

Recommendations:

Somaliland should proactively assert its position in the international arena by clearly outlining and communicating its policies regarding port access and maritime rights. This involves not only defining its stance on these critical issues but also ensuring that all relevant stakeholders, including neighboring countries and international organizations, understand its objectives and motivations.

To reinforce its position and build public awareness, Somaliland should implement a series of regular press briefings and public communications. These briefings would serve to clarify its policies, address any prevailing misconceptions, and provide updates on developments in maritime governance. By engaging with the media and the public consistently, Somaliland can effectively counter misinformation and foster a more accurate understanding of its maritime rights and port access policies. This strategic approach will strengthen Somaliland’s diplomatic efforts and solidify its claims on the international stage.

Somaliland should closely observe the diplomatic activities of Villa Somalia in order to identify and mitigate any potential misleading claims before they escalate. This vigilant monitoring is essential to ensure that any narratives or statements that may undermine Somaliland’s interests are addressed in a timely manner. Additionally, it is important for Somaliland to engage in constructive dialogue with Ethiopia, reinforcing their commitment to upholding existing agreements. By fostering a strong relationship with Ethiopia, Somaliland can create a unified front that underscores mutual respect and cooperation, ultimately strengthening their position in the region.

Somaliland should actively seek to strengthen its alliances with both regional neighbors and international partners. By fostering these relationships, Somaliland can enhance its legitimacy on the global stage and work towards ensuring that its claims of sovereignty are recognized in international discussions and forums. This could involve engaging in diplomatic initiatives, participating in regional organizations, and collaborating on economic and security issues that underscore its commitment to stability and development. Additionally, building partnerships with influential global powers and organizations can help garner support for Somaliland’s aspirations, ultimately leading to broader acknowledgment of its status in the international community.

The persistent inconsistency in Villa Somalia’s policy significantly undermines its diplomatic relations with Ethiopia. This unpredictability not only creates tensions but also opens the door for Somaliland to further establish itself as a dependable and stable partner within the Horn of Africa. By presenting a more consistent and reliable approach, Somaliland can attract support and collaboration from regional stakeholders, thereby enhancing its strategic importance in the area. As Villa Somalia continues to falter in its diplomatic efforts, Somaliland can effectively position itself as an alternative ally, contributing to regional stability and cooperation.

The information contained in the article posted represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions commentators. the article a opininian of the author don’t necessarily reflect the Editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.

Writen by Eng. Abdi Ali Barkhad. first published this article on Araweelo News Network.

Eng. Barkhad a Independent Political Analyst, who is a writer and industrial engineer, who comments on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations, and has published many articles on the Araweelo News Network. as well as well-crafted articles analyzing current policies Horn of Africa region. and is a great supporter of the cause of the Republic of Somaliland.