MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — The leader of Somaliland, a breakaway region in Somalia, has affirmed his government’s commitment to proceed with a recent agreement signed with landlocked Ethiopia. This agreement aims to grant Ethiopia access to the sea through the coastline of Somaliland.

Despite the agreement, there has been widespread condemnation from regional and international organizations, as well as Western nations. Critics argue that this accord infringes upon Somalia’s territorial integrity and has the potential to escalate tensions, posing a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia, in particular, has vehemently opposed the deal, viewing it as a challenge to its sovereignty. Somaliland, strategically situated along the Gulf of Aden, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during the country’s descent into warlord-led conflict. It’s worth noting that Somaliland has not received international recognition as an independent state.