US recognises Somalia's territorial integrity

The US has expressed support for Somalia's territorial integrity following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, Anadolu reports.

"The United States recognises the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, including Somaliland," the US embassy in Mogadishu said in a statement.

Pointing out that the status of Somaliland is a matter for Somalilanders, including the people of Somaliland, it is noted that rising tensions over the signed memorandum of understanding raise fears that it threatens to derail the fight against Al-Shabab.

The statement called on the parties to refrain from rash actions that could create an opportunity for Al-Shabab to expand its sphere of influence.

Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has allowed Ethiopia to use its coastline for commercial and military purposes under a memorandum of understanding signed on January 1.