Al Jazeera English

In the midst of a headline-making deal, Ethiopia is venturing into new territory with the lease of a naval port in Somaliland. The historic 50-year agreement allows Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera, a crucial move for a country that has long struggled with no direct access to the sea. In return for this access, Ethiopia has pledged to support Somaliland’s quest for international recognition, marking the first time such an offer has been made.

Based on the agreement, Somaliland will also receive a stake in Ethiopian Airlines. Tensions are high over this monumental deal, as Somalia views Somaliland as part of its own territory and considers any international recognition of it as a threat to its sovereignty. This move could potentially disrupt years of ongoing talks between Somalia and Somaliland, as it begs the question of national borders and international interests