PRESS STATEMENT: Addis Ababa, 3 January 2024 – The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, H.E Moussa Faki Mahamat, has been closely following the tension resulting from signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the region of  Somalia (Somaliland) .

The Chairperson calls for calm and mutual respect to de-escalate the simmering tension between the Governments of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia. In this regard He urges the two countries  to refrain from any action  that unintentionally  may lead to a deterioration of the good relations between the two neighbouring Eastern African countries.

He stresses the imperative to respect unity, territorial integrity and full sovereignty of all African Union member states including  Federal Republic of Somalia and Federal Democratic republic of Ethiopia .

Furthermore, the Chairperson underscores the importance of adhering to the norms of good neighbourliness to promote and consolidate peace, security and stability in the Horn of Africa region.

He urges the two brother countries to engage without delay in a négociation process to settle their differences in  the most constructive, peaceful and collaborative manner  to consolidate  and deepen their cooperation to serve peace  and security in the region.

He reaffirms  that African Union will stand strongly   in their side to encourage an African solution to this African new tension.