The Horn of Africa forum is taking place in Djibouti, convening Somali leaders and experts to discuss regional stability amidst rising tensions due to a controversial Ethiopia-Somaliland port agreement. The forum seeks to address key issues related to governance, sovereignty, and security as Somalia calls for peaceful resolutions and dialogue.
On Monday, the Horn of Africa forum commenced in Djibouti, uniting Somali scholars, politicians, and traditional leaders for a three-day event aimed at enhancing regional stability. Organized by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, the forum, now in its eighth year, welcomed nearly 300 delegates, including regional experts. Mursal Saney, the executive director of the Institute, emphasized the significance of discussions centered on the rule of law and stability in the Horn of Africa.
The timing of this year’s forum is particularly notable, as tensions have escalated between Somalia and Ethiopia following a port deal that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland. This agreement, which grants Ethiopia a long-term lease for access to a Red Sea port, has been perceived by Mogadishu as an infringement on its sovereignty, as it regards Somaliland as an integral part of its territory. Ethiopian officials, however, contend that the agreement respects Somalia’s sovereignty.
The dispute has its roots in Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s previous military regime. To date, Somaliland’s secession has not garnered international recognition, and negotiations to address the ongoing strife have yet to yield effective resolutions. Recent talks mediated by Turkey have failed, with Somalia insisting that Ethiopia withdraw from its agreement with Somaliland.
At the forum, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi remarked on Somalia’s urgent need for peace, stating, “Because of its strategic location in the region and the fact that it is coming out of a conflict era, Somalia is thirsty for peace and regional stability, respecting the international law and the rule of law.” Furthermore, Djibouti’s Minister of Justice, Mumin Hassan Barre, highlighted the role of regional experts in fostering peace and stability, expressing the belief that solutions must be driven by local knowledge and initiative.
Participants at the forum included Somalis from Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and a diaspora representing various global regions. The event encapsulates the pressing need to address regional instability and foster dialogue amid rising tensions.
The Horn of Africa has long been a region marked by ethnic tensions and territorial disputes, particularly surrounding the status of Somaliland. Despite declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland remains unrecognized by the international community and is regarded by Somalia as part of its national territory. The strategic location of the region has drawn the attention of neighboring countries, leading to complex political dynamics, especially with the recent Ethiopia-Somaliland port agreement that has raised serious concerns in Mogadishu about sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Horn of Africa forum in Djibouti presents a critical opportunity for dialogue amidst escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia regarding the Somaliland port deal. With prominent leaders and scholars gathered, the discussions aim to foster stability and respect for the rule of law in the region. The challenges stemming from unresolved sovereignty issues highlight the necessity of collaboration and local solutions to regional conflicts and promote stability for future generations.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
