The Horn of Africa Forum is underway in Djibouti, uniting Somali leaders to address regional stability amid tensions with Ethiopia over a port deal with Somaliland. Experts and participants from various countries are discussing solutions to enhance peace and legal governance in the region.
The Horn of Africa Forum commenced in Djibouti on Monday, bringing together Somali scholars, politicians, and traditional leaders dedicated to fostering regional stability over the course of three days. This eighth edition of the annual event, orchestrated by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, aims to facilitate meaningful discussions surrounding critical issues affecting the region. Mursal Saney, the executive director, noted the participation of nearly 300 delegates, including regional experts, to explore and propose constructive solutions that reinforce the importance of the rule of law in the Horn of Africa.
Held against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, the forum comes at a pivotal time, primarily due to a contentious port agreement signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland, a region that remains unrecognized internationally but is viewed by Mogadishu as an integral part of Somalia. This arrangement, which grants Ethiopia a long-term lease on a Red Sea port, has been condemned by Somalia as an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Despite Ethiopia’s assertion that the agreement does not violate Somali sovereignty, the conflict remains unresolved, leading to heightened fears of potential clashes in the region.
Furthermore, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi emphasized the necessity of establishing peace and stability in Somalia, which is emerging from years of conflict. “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 international law and the rule of law,” he stated. Djibouti’s Minister of Justice and Religion, Mumin Hassan Barre, echoed this sentiment, urging experts present at the forum to collaborate toward solutions beneficial to the region’s citizens.
The Horn of Africa is a region marked by complex geopolitical challenges, including the longstanding dispute between Somalia and Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but lacks international recognition. The region has faced recurring conflicts influenced by ethnic tensions, political instability, and territorial disputes. The forum serves as a critical platform for dialogue, especially at a time when Ethiopia’s recent port deal with Somaliland threatens to further strain its relations with Somalia. Such initiatives aim to promote discussions that prioritize peaceful resolutions and adherence to international law, essential for regional stability and development.
In summary, the Horn of Africa Forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The discussions fostered at this year’s forum aim to address ongoing conflicts and emphasize the importance of regional stability and the rule of law. Through collaborative efforts among scholars and political leaders, there is hope for generating constructive solutions that resonate with the aspirations of the citizens across the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
