By Robleh Mohamud Lafcanbe
Tigrai Online - June 20, 2013
Tension is increasing as Ethiopia and Egypt continue to butt heads over the Nile River. Ethiopia remains firm on building the $4.2 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Egypt is determined to stop Ethiopia from building the dam, claiming that Egypt is the “gift of the Nile” and water supply will decrease by 20% and hydroelectric power would decrease by 40%.
The battle over the Nile has already drawn neighboring countries into the dispute. Sudan and South Sudan have expressed their support for Ethiopia’s dam, while Somalia might show their allegiance to Egypt.
Earlier this month, Egyptian army officials arrived in Somalia to discuss revamping the Somalia National Army and building a possible Egyptian military base. It appears that if Egypt & Ethiopia do go to war, Egypt is relying on Somalia’s strategic location to attack Ethiopia. In order to do so, they will need to go through Somaliland first – with the help of Somalia.
Which comes to the question: What is Somaliland’s stance on this issue and what role would they play?
The people of Somaliland will never forget the role Egypt played during the struggle years against Siad Barre’s regime. Egypt armed and supplied military hardware that was used to slaughter the people of Somaliland. After reclaiming our independence in 1991, Egypt has been using their influence in the Arab and African world to hinder any chance of us getting recognition.
Somaliland’s strongest ally in Africa is Ethiopia. Since reclaiming the independence we were granted in 1960, Ethiopia and Somaliland have shared an unbreakable bond. Both countries have operated on issues such as trade and security. A close relationship – but not close enough considering the fact they have yet to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation.
Regardless, Somaliland remains loyal to their brothers of Ethiopia. If the two countries do go to the war we will support them through thick and thin.
The Somaliland government has made their stance on this issue clear and expressed their commitment to defend Ethiopia. That being said, we need Ethiopia to meet us half-way and take the lead of granting us our rightful recognition. It’s time we stop lying in bed with each other and make our relationship legal and official.
Ethiopia has every right to use the Nile waters to develop their nation and provide for their citizens just like other countries situated on the Nile. It’s in Egypt’s best interest to diplomatically resolve this issue with Ethiopia and reach a common solution that will benefit both countries. If Egypt insists on stirring chaos, Ethiopia can definitely count on the people of Somaliland to help them fight off any potential threat.
The author of this article can be reached at robleh.m@gmail.com or on Twitter – @RM_Laf
Sponsored Links
Enough is enough with the old colonial treaty cassettes
Shifting To See Meles in a New Light
Ethiopian Wins Sky Trax World Airline Award for Best Airline Staff Service in Africa
Ethiopian and Egyptian foreign ministers issued a joint statement
Too much ado about nothing: A minor demonstration gets disproportionate speculation
Somaliland to support Ethiopia in the Nile conflict with Egypt
The anti-Corruption Crackdown: Just an episode in the long-term battle
Ethiopia gets $300 million loan from Exim bank of India
Engaging the Diaspora: how, when and where Shaping out workable Methodology
President Yoweri Museveni blasts Egypt in support of Ethiopia
President Mursi and Co., Be Careful What You Wish for Ethiopia and the Renaissance Dam
Ethiopian parliament ratifies the new Nile River Cooperative Framework Agreement
Egypt Has No Choice but to Cooperate with Ethiopia On The Issue of the Nile
Eritrean sponsored terrorists annihilated by Ethiopian security forces
Sudan reaffirms support for the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
The Benishangul People’s Liberation Movement (BPLM) quits armed struggle and returns home
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to pay official visit to China
Ethiopian Extremists wagging their tails and begging Egypt to invade Ethiopia
The Egyptian political rhetoric over the Nile and the reality
Ethiopia summons Egypt’s ambassador over Nile dam attack comments
Egyptian politicians caught plotting how to attack Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
Dealing With a Pariah State in the Horn of Africa
Kaizen Initiatives at the Ethiopian Wonji Sugar Manufacturing Company
Beware of wishful thinking: one swallow doesn’t make a summer
Thousands of opposition supporters demonstrated Sunday in Addis Ababa
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea
Tigrainophobia is a bane of unity, peace and democracy
Eritrean diplomat expelled from Canada for extortion money from citizens
Ethiopia diverts the Blue Nile for construction of the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
The Rise of the Sun People: A New Morning Breaks in Africa
The Ignored State in the horn of Africa
Ethiopian completes all Preparations to Start Services to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro
Africa will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the African Union this weekend in Addis Ababa
Star Alliance launches Navigator ipad App First Airline Alliance to Introduce Customized iPad App
Another flawed, recycled “Human Right report” on Ethiopia from the State Department (Part II)
The role of Qatar in mediating Ethiopia and Eritrea
Another flawed, recycled “Human Right report” on Ethiopia from the State Department
