A resolution issued by the Arab League’s ministerial council on Jan. 17 declared backing for Somalia’s diplomatic efforts to tackle “this perilous situation” CAIRO: Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit has pledged the organization’s support for Somalia against Ethiopia’s controversial recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. During a meeting in Egypt with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Aboul Gheit described a memorandum of understanding signed between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region as null, void, and unacceptable. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inked the MoU with Somaliland’s leader Muse Bihi Abdi in exchange for being granted commercial and naval access to the Red Sea port of Berbera. BACKGROUND Ethiopia and Somalia have a history of stormy relations and territorial feuds, fighting two wars in the late 20th century. A resolution issued by the Arab League’s ministerial council on Jan. 17 declared backing for Somalia’s diplomatic efforts to tackle “this perilous situation.” Jamal Rushdi, spokesman for the Arab League chief, said Aboul Gheit and Mohamud discussed ways to secure Arab, African, and international support for Somalia in upholding its unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They also considered how to help Somalia combat terrorism and strengthen its national institutions and economy. Mohamud thanked the Arab League for its ongoing backing.