The African Union welcomed an agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia resolving the Somaliland dispute, achieved through Turkish mediation. Tensions had previously risen after Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia deemed invalid. The agreement emphasizes respect for sovereignty and cooperation between the two nations.
On December 13, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed his approval of the recent agreement reached by Ethiopian and Somali leaders regarding the contentious Somaliland dispute. This agreement was forged following Turkish-mediated discussions held in Ankara, culminating in a commitment to resolve long-standing misunderstandings between Ethiopia and Somalia. Prior to this, tensions had escalated due to an earlier agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, which Somalia disputed as invalid.
The Somaliland dispute has been a significant source of tension between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly with regards to regional autonomy and access to maritime resources. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains unrecognized internationally. Ethiopia’s recognition of this independence through a previous agreement had exacerbated animosities, prompting Somali claims of illegitimacy. The recent agreement aims to foster cooperation and resolve these territorial issues, paving the way for improved bilateral relations.
In conclusion, the agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia represents a pivotal step towards enhancing diplomatic relations and resolving the complex issues surrounding Somaliland. The AU has lauded this advancement, emphasizing the responsibility of both nations to implement the terms of the agreement promptly. The mutual respect for sovereignty affirmed by the leaders indicates a hopeful trajectory for future negotiations and regional stability.
Original Source: english.news.cn
