Turkey has facilitated a historic agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia concerning the contentious Somaliland region, aiming to improve relations and establish future cooperation. The agreement is seen as a pivotal step towards enhancing Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes, a vital need for the landlocked country, although the details of the accord remain undisclosed.
On December 11, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a joint declaration aimed at resolving their longstanding dispute over Somaliland. During a press conference in Ankara, Erdogan characterized this agreement as a “historic reconciliation,” commending both Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for their dedication to fostering peace and cooperation. The Turkish leader stated that the declaration is intended to focus on future cooperation rather than historical grievances, laying down principles for the two nations to build upon going forward.
Erdogan expressed optimism that this agreement would initiate a new chapter rooted in peace and collaboration. He noted that access to the sea is crucial for Ethiopia, the most populous landlocked country in the world. However, the specific provisions of this agreement have yet to be disclosed.
The core of the dispute lies in Ethiopia’s aspirations to construct a port in Somaliland, a region that has proclaimed independence from Somalia since 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally. Despite Somaliland’s relative stability and self-governance, Somalia continues to oppose its independence. Ethiopia has previously indicated a willingness to acknowledge Somaliland’s independence in exchange for access to strategic territories that would connect it to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Tensions arising from this issue have strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, with Somalia increasingly aligning itself with regional adversaries of Ethiopia, such as Egypt and Eritrea. Ethiopia, which maintains military presence in Somalia to combat extremist groups, deems access to maritime routes essential for its economic and strategic advancements. In this context, Erdogan asserted, “I believe with the meeting we had today, my brother Sheikh Mohamud will provide the necessary support to Ethiopia for accessing the sea,” signaling Turkey’s role in mediating these diplomatic efforts.
The backdrop of this agreement involves the long-standing complexities surrounding Somaliland, a self-declared independent entity that lacks international recognition. Since its declaration of independence in 1991, Somaliland has enjoyed relative stability compared to the ongoing turmoil in Somalia. The strategic interests around this; particularly, the provision of Ethiopian access to the sea, highlight the region’s geopolitical dynamics. Amidst these tensions, Ethiopia’s dependency on maritime access and relationships with neighboring countries contribute to the complexity of the situation.
In summary, the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Turkey, marks a potential turning point in the relations between these nations, especially concerning Somaliland. By focusing on forward-looking cooperation, both Somalia and Ethiopia may work towards reducing historical tensions and fostering a new era of peace. The successful implementation of this declaration could significantly impact Ethiopia’s economic strategies and regional stability, shaping the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
