Council urge external actors to abide by principle of non-interference in internal affairs of 2 member states

The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) expressed deep concern Wednesday about the ongoing tension between Somalia and Ethiopia following the signing of a Red Sea access deal.

The deal between Ethiopia and Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland was signed Jan. 1 in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The council warned of the potential for adverse effects the deal would have on peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa region.

It “unequivocally reaffirmed its strong commitment and support for preserving the unity, territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of all Member States,” including those of Somalia and Ethiopia.

The PSC urged both sides to adhere to and be guided by the principles of the African Union (AU) and international law in bilateral and international relations.

The council also urged external actors to abide by the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the two neighboring nations.

“The Council encouraged the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia to refrain from further actions and pronouncements that could negatively impact the strong bonds of good neighbourliness, friendship and solidarity existing between them,”, it said.

The PSC also urged Somalia and Ethiopia to exercise restraint, de-escalate and engage in “meaningful dialogue towards finding a peaceful resolution of the matter, in the spirit of African solutions to African problems.”