I'm writing this because this is something I care about deeply and it won't happen without the support of people like you. Starting a petition isn't something I would normally do, but I was moved to do so because the peace and stability in the region matters. I know I'm not alone and together we can make this change happen. Please sign and share! (https://chng.it/QXrbFz7KqS"

We, the Somali Constituencies in the United States,  urgently request your immediate intervention to stop Ethiopia’s forthcoming annexation of parts of northern Somalia. This poses a significant threat to global security and vital U.S. interests. 

On January 1, 2024, Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, invited Muse Bihi Abdi, the leader of Northern Somalia’s “Somaliland Administration” to Ethiopia. They jointly declared that Ethiopia would annex large portions of land and sea in Zeila and Lughaya of the Awdal region from the Somali Federal Republic. At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Ahmed and Mr Bihi also declared that Ethiopia would formally recognize “Somaliland” as a country independent of Somalia. 

Prime Minister Ahmed’s illegal proposal violates Somalia’s internationally recognized territorial integrity, sovereignty, and national unity. As a result of Ethiopia’s proposed unlawful actions, global terrorism and piracy would be exacerbated. In light of the already heightened tensions in the Red Sea, the United States, its allies, East Africa, and the world would be at risk.

In 2006, Ethiopia’s invasion of Somalia sparked the formation of the Al-Shabaab terror group, resulting in severe consequences for global security and peace. Since 2008, the U.S. State Department has designated Al-Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization. Regrettably, Ethiopia’s proposed actions could provoke a resurgence of Somali nationalism, potentially enabling Al-Shabaab again and other terrorist organizations to encroach upon the Red Sea’s vital global maritime route. Hence, it is paramount for the United States to counter Prime Minister Ahmed’s blatant violation of international law, given his attempts to illegally seize land and sea from a neighboring, independent nation.

Without an immediate and forceful response from the United States and its allies, we will see another significant international flashpoint if Prime Minister Ahmed continues to violate Somalia’s sovereignty.

For the sake of peace and stability in the regions, we implore you to prevent another destabilizing conflict that wiuld result in human crises, increase international terrorism and threaten the United States’ and the world’s security. 

Sincerely,