Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement to address their territorial disputes, specifically a deal allowing Ethiopia to establish a military base in Somaliland in exchange for a stake in its airline. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan facilitated the deal, which emphasizes peace and cooperation. Both nations plan to engage in technical negotiations by February 2025, marking a positive development in their relations amid historical tensions.
Ethiopia and Somalia have come to an agreement aimed at resolving their disputes regarding a deal that permits Ethiopia to construct a military base on the coast of Somaliland in exchange for a stake in its national airline, Ethiopian Airlines. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced this agreement following discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Both leaders have expressed a commitment to fostering peace and cooperation between their nations, signaling a willingness to engage in technical negotiations facilitated by Turkey by the end of February 2025.
Historically, the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been strained, primarily due to territorial disputes involving Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, yet remains unrecognized internationally. A prior agreement from January established Ethiopia’s rights to set up military and commercial facilities in Somaliland, provoking protests from Somalia over concerns for its territorial integrity. Efforts by Turkey to mediate these tensions began last August, coinciding with its strategic interests in African energy security.
With the recent election of Somalialand’s new leadership, there are uncertainties regarding compliance with previous agreements concerning military bases. Nevertheless, the current pact lays the groundwork for discussions aimed at resolving outstanding issues, which analysts view as a positive step towards regional stability. Specifically, there may be an opportunity for Ethiopian troops to continue their participation in the African Union mission in Somalia, which may help address ongoing security concerns.
Overall, the accord represents a diplomatic effort towards peace in a historically volatile region, with international mediation potentially facilitating a more cooperative future between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia can be traced back to territorial disputes, particularly regarding the breakaway region of Somaliland. Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not achieved international recognition. The dynamics of the region have often been influenced by external actors, notably Turkey, which has sought to expand its influence within Africa, particularly in relation to energy resources. The establishment of Ethiopian military bases and the involvement of Ethiopian troops in Somalia’s security operations highlight the complexities of these relationships, and the recent deal signifies a potential turning point in their diplomatic relations amidst historical animosities.
The agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia marks a significant development in their historically fraught relationship, emphasizing a joint commitment to dialogue and cooperation. With Turkey’s mediation, both nations have taken initial steps towards resolving their territorial disputes and have indicated readiness for negotiations by February 2025. Analysts view this meeting as a beneficial precursor to enhancing regional stability, particularly regarding the presence of Ethiopian troops in Somalia’s ongoing peacekeeping efforts. It is a cautious yet hopeful step towards a more collaborative future.
Original Source: financialpost.com
