Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reached an agreement in Turkey, resolving tensions over Ethiopia’s prior MoU with Somaliland. The Ankara Declaration acknowledges Somalia’s territorial integrity and grants Ethiopia commercial access to its coastline. This outcome is viewed positively by analysts as a diplomatic success for both nations, facilitated by Turkey’s mediation efforts.
In recent negotiations led by Turkey, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reached a significant accord regarding their countries’ maritime relations. This agreement, termed the Ankara Declaration, arose after lengthy discussions focusing on the contentious issue of Ethiopia’s prior memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as a threat to its territorial integrity. Ultimately, both parties benefitted from the negotiations; Somalia secured recognition of its territorial sovereignty by Ethiopia, while Ethiopia obtained access to the Somali coastline for commercial purposes.
The discussions in Ankara were marked by high expectations from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who emphasized the urgency of reaching a resolution. Previous attempts at mediation had yielded minimal outcomes, thus intensifying the pressure during these recent talks. One crucial aspect was the question of Ethiopia’s acknowledgment of Somalia’s territorial unity. Although Abiy was willing to affirm Somalia’s independence, he hesitated to explicitly recognize its territorial integrity. This impasse was ultimately resolved by references to international law, particularly the Montevideo Convention, leading to a compromise acceptable to both sides.
As negotiations finalised, the Ankara Declaration set a timeline for further technical discussions, scheduled for early 2025. This development marks a triumph for both nations, highlighting Somalia’s strategic maneuvering to leverage previous agreements to its benefit while allowing Ethiopia crucial access to maritime routes essential for trade. Analysts view the outcome as favorable for both nations, with implications resonating beyond just the immediate agreement.
The implications of this accord are noteworthy, given the backdrop of Ethiopia’s landlocked status and the current political dynamics in the region. Analysts suggest that Abiy’s concessions were influenced by external pressures, particularly from the United States concerning security and peacekeeping. A more favorable political landscape may enhance Somaliland’s ambitions for international recognition; however, the newly formed agreement reflects an evolving geopolitical scenario in the Horn of Africa, with Turkey’s mediation playing a pivotal role in fostering dialogue between the two nations.
Turkey has aimed to play a mediating role in the long-standing maritime and political issues between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly after Ethiopia signed a 50-year MoU with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a challenge to its sovereignty. The increasing complexity of these relations has necessitated external intervention, notably by Turkey, which has established a significant presence in Somalia through military aid and infrastructure development. These geopolitical tensions underscore broader regional dynamics influenced by international law, state sovereignty, and historical claims over territorial integrity, exacerbated by political transitions within Somaliland.
The recent Ankara Declaration signifies a critical step forward in the relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, blending recognition of Somalia’s sovereignty with Ethiopia’s need for commercial maritime access. This win-win scenario reflects effective diplomacy by Turkey and underscores the complexity of regional politics, particularly in light of external pressures and local leadership changes. The agreement not only stabilizes the immediate conflict over maritime rights but also highlights the strategic importance of cooperative security and economic partnerships in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
