Ethiopia remains silent regarding Djibouti’s proposal for easing tensions with Somalia despite international support. Djibouti is offering Tojarah port as a joint management opportunity to provide Ethiopia access to maritime routes. Somalia opposes any military presence but is open to commercial agreements. Diplomatic efforts, including mediation by Turkey, have not yet led to a resolution.
Ethiopia has not yet responded to Djibouti’s recent proposal aimed at alleviating the growing tensions between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, despite the initiative receiving backing from various international stakeholders. Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, expressed his country’s willingness to mediate and resolve the ongoing disagreement regarding maritime access for Ethiopia, which is a landlocked nation. During a recent interview, Mr. Youssouf disclosed that Djibouti is prepared to offer Tojarah port in northern Djibouti as a mutually managed solution to facilitate Ethiopia’s access to sea-transit routes. He highlighted that this proposal remains active, emphasizing that it could foster commercial opportunities and economic development for both countries if accepted. Somalia, on the other hand, has reiterated its stance against any military presence on its territory but is open to discussing commercial agreements concerning sea access for Ethiopia. Nevertheless, Ethiopia has moved toward recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state, which it views as a necessary step to secure access to the Red Sea. There have been ongoing diplomatic efforts, including attempts from Turkey to mediate between the two nations, although these efforts have not yet produced tangible results. Prior meetings aimed at reconciliation were canceled after Somalia conditioned negotiations on Ethiopia’s withdrawal of its agreement with Somaliland.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia primarily stem from Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access, a vital link for its international trade given its landlocked status. Djibouti has emerged as a potential facilitator in this context, proposing a collaborative management arrangement of a port that would enable Ethiopia to circumvent its reliance on Somalia for sea access. This situation has been further complicated by the recognition that Somalia will not permit a military presence on its soil, complicating Ethiopia’s aspirations. The larger geopolitical dimensions also involve stakeholder nations like Turkey, which have interests in stabilizing the Horn of Africa region.
In conclusion, Djibouti’s initiative to mediate tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia remains unacknowledged as Ethiopia has yet to respond formally. The proposed solution suggests a significant shift in access for Ethiopia while aiming to maintain peace in the region. The ongoing situation highlights the complex interplay of diplomatic relations and regional aspirations, underpinning the broader implications of access to maritime resources in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
