MOGADISHU, Somalia – Following the conclusion of the G7 foreign ministers meeting in Capri, Italy, between April 17 and 19, member states expressed concerns regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region of Somalia announced in January 2024.
The G7 countries encouraged both Ethiopia and Somalia to maintain open dialogue channels to prevent further escalation, working with regional partners, within the framework of the African Union, and through bilateral contacts by international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the UN Charter.
The G7 members welcomed the developments in the implementation of the Pretoria cessation of hostilities agreement between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). However, they also expressed concern about persistent and violent tensions in many areas of the country, as well as reports of human rights violations and abuses, the severe economic crisis, and widening food insecurity.
The group of developed countries, including the High Representative of the European Union member states, emphasized the importance of lasting developments in the protection of human rights, protection of civilians, political dialogue to resolve tensions, reconciliation, national dialogue, transitional justice, and accountability for crimes committed during the conflict.
The G7 countries called for a similar commitment by those involved in conflicts in other regions of Ethiopia to pursue peace through dialogue. They also stressed the importance of delivering a peace dividend quickly for conflict-affected populations through recovery and reconstruction support, disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants, and the implementation of durable solutions for Internally Displaced People (IDPs).
This communiqué reflects the G7’s commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability in the Horn of Africa, urging all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation to address the challenges facing the region.
