Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is traveling to Turkey for third-round talks with Ethiopia, focusing on defusing tensions arising from Ethiopia’s plans for a port in Somaliland, which threatens regional stability. The meeting may involve Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marking the first direct dialogue between the leaders since the dispute escalated. Mediation by Turkey aims to address these conflicts, which have drawn Somalia closer to Egypt and Eritrea amid ongoing territorial disputes.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is en route to Ankara, Turkey, for crucial discussions aimed at alleviating tensions with Ethiopia, according to the Somali National News Agency. This upcoming meeting, which represents the third round of negotiations, comes after the two nations experienced escalated diplomatic strains due to Ethiopia’s plans to construct a port in Somaliland, a significantly contentious issue that has raised concerns about regional stability.
Should Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also participate, this will mark their first direct interaction since Addis Ababa’s controversial announcement. Reports state that Ethiopia, which is landlocked and relies heavily on Somali territory, has indicated a willingness to acknowledge Somaliland’s independence in exchange for a strategically vital strip of land that connects the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. President Mohamud’s trip follows an official invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been mediating these negotiations.
Somaliland, which has governed autonomously and maintained relative peace since its declaration of independence in 1991, continues to seek greater international recognition despite opposition from Mogadishu. Moreover, this ongoing conflict has led to deepening ties between Somalia and Egypt, highlighting Cairo’s long-standing disagreements with Ethiopia regarding the latter’s substantial hydroelectric dam construction on the Nile.
The diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia primarily stem from Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence, which challenges Somalia’s territorial integrity. Somaliland declared independence in 1991; however, it has not gained widespread international recognition despite functioning as a self-governing entity. Ethiopia’s desire for increased influence along the strategic corridor connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean adds complexity to the relationship, particularly given the historic grievances between Ethiopia and its neighboring countries, including Somalia and Egypt.
The ongoing discussions between President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy could prove pivotal in determining the future relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly regarding the contentious issue of Somaliland. As regional dynamics evolve, the mediation efforts by Turkey highlight the importance of diplomatic intervention in addressing long-standing disputes and fostering stability in an increasingly volatile area.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
