Kenya and Uganda are set to mediate a dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, primarily over Ethiopia’s plan to build a port in Somaliland, which has raised tensions with Mogadishu. The situation threatens stability in the Horn of Africa, drawing Somalia closer to Egypt and Eritrea. This mediation follows unsuccessful past attempts in Turkey and highlights the urgency for diplomatic intervention in the region.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Saturday that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will intervene to mediate the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, a situation that poses a risk to regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The tension arises primarily from Ethiopia’s initiative to develop a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland, which has frustrated the Somali government. Ethiopia has maintained a military presence in Somalia to combat affiliated insurgent groups but may compromise its relations with Mogadishu through this initiative.
Somaliland, having declared independence from Somalia in 1991, seeks international recognition and perceives the port development as a potential avenue towards this goal. The discord has prompted Somalia to foster closer ties with Egypt and Eritrea, nations that have had longstanding disputes with Ethiopia, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s controversial hydro dam project on the Nile River. Ruto emphasized the critical importance of Somalia’s security for the overall stability of the surrounding region, significantly impacting the local business environment.
Despite previous attempts to broker peace in Ankara, Turkey, the efforts have not yielded satisfactory outcomes. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi expressed his skepticism regarding past resolutions but voiced optimism concerning current diplomatic initiatives spearheaded by Turkey. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government has not responded to inquiries about the mediation efforts.
The conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia centers around territorial and political tensions exacerbated by regional dynamics and external influences. Somalia’s complaint against Ethiopia mainly revolves around its military presence, which is seen as intrusive. The construction of a port in Somaliland by Ethiopia adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship. Somaliland, although self-governing, struggles for international acknowledgment, which makes Ethiopia’s support significant but controversial. The region’s interrelationships, especially with Egypt and Eritrea, indicate a broader struggle for power and respect in the Horn of Africa, which is further complicated by natural resource disputes over the Nile River.
In conclusion, the mediation efforts led by Kenya and Uganda reflect the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to restore stability in the Horn of Africa. The underlying tensions, primarily driven by territorial claims and military presence, necessitate a collaborative approach to ensure both Ethiopia and Somalia can resolve their disputes amicably. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, maintaining dialogue among affected states will be critical in the quest for lasting peace.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
