The African Union has called on Ethiopia and Somalia to swiftly implement a new agreement aimed at reducing tensions over Ethiopia’s maritime access. The deal follows prior contentious arrangements with Somaliland and emphasizes cooperation for mutual benefits, despite ongoing disputes over sovereignty and regional stability concerns.
On Thursday, the African Union urged both Ethiopia and Somalia to swiftly implement a recently brokered agreement designed to alleviate ongoing tensions between the two neighboring countries. This agreement arises from Ethiopia’s January deal with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, which allows for a lease of coastline in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland by Ethiopia. Somalia has condemned this arrangement, claiming it infringes upon its sovereignty, raising concerns over the potential for renewed conflicts in the region.
Following negotiations facilitated by Turkey, an agreement was reached stating that both Ethiopia and Somalia would pursue cooperation, overlooking their disputes for the sake of mutual prosperity. The agreement specifically emphasizes Ethiopia’s pursuit of stable and secure access to the sea while acknowledging the sovereignty of Somalia. The leaders of both nations recognized their shared interests in ensuring peace and stability within their region.
The African Union emphasized the urgency of implementing the agreed measures, albeit without detailing what those measures entail. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development also commended the agreement, suggesting it is a step toward amicable resolution of matters between the countries. Despite the optimistic tone of the discussions, the future of Ethiopian-Somaliland relations remains precarious, as noted by officials familiar with the situation.
Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, which poses significant challenges for its access to maritime trade. Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland to lease a portion of coastline has sparked outrage in Somalia, which views this action as a breach of its sovereignty. The African Union’s intervention highlights the critical need for regional stability and collaborative resolution of longstanding grievances. Although Turkey facilitated the latest agreement, the implications for Somaliland’s autonomy and relationship with Ethiopia remain contentious and complex.
In summary, the African Union’s urgent call for Ethiopia and Somalia to implement their recently reached agreement demonstrates a commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in a historically volatile region. While the agreement represents a promising step toward resolving geopolitical tension, the underlying issues regarding Somaliland’s status and Ethiopia’s territorial ambitions remain unresolved. Future discussions and collaborations will be essential to ensuring sustained peace and prosperity for both nations as they navigate these complicated dynamics.
Original Source: www.enca.com
