The Elephant published on 23 January 2024 an analysis titled "Unveiling the Ethiopia-Somaliland MOU: Hopes and Uncertainties" by Mehari Taddele Maru, European University Institute in Florence, Italy.
Although the text of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland has not been made public, based on what is known the author analyzes the significance of the document for a wide variety of interested parties.
The author concludes that, for Ethiopia, the MOU diverts attention from internal conflicts, famine, and economic woes. For Somaliland, it potentially opens doors to international recognition, legitimizing President Muse Bihi Abdi's government, but it may also intensify conflicts in areas such as Laascaanood and Sool. For Somalia, it represents a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, necessitating an outright rejection of the MOU and the seeking of support from regional allies such as Egypt, Eritrea, and Saudi Arabia.
