The Somalian Parliament has given his approved a major defence agreement with Turkey that is aimed to enhancing its maritime security.
Africa Today News, New York gathered that under the deal which will last for 10 years, Turkey will arm and train Somali navy forces and deploy its own ships in Somali waters.
Analysts say it’s a major step in enhancing Somalia’s maritime security.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi said the deal eliminates – in his words – fears of terrorism, piracy, illegal fishing and the dumping of toxic waste.
It comes as Ethiopia signed a controversial agreement with the self-declared republic of Somaliland, which has increased tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa. (Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, has accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty).
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Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed has declared that his country “does not wish any harm” on neighbouring Somalia despite several reports in the media which has tried to insinuate such.
After Somalia accused Ethiopia, a landlocked country, of attempting to seize part of its territory in order to obtain access to the sea, he made these remarks in parliament.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that a contentious agreement was reached between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway nation, last month.
Somaliland, which Somalia claims as its own territory, consented to lease Ethiopia a portion of its coastline.
Somalia described the agreement as an act of aggression and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called on youths “to prepare for the defence of our country”.
He also said that he would only talk to Ethiopia if the deal was withdrawn.
Protests against the deal have also been held in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, with tens of thousands of people turning up to express their opposition.