Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement to resolve their dispute over a port in Somaliland after negotiations in Turkey, with Turkish President Erdogan facilitating this historic reconciliation. Leaders from both nations committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty, while Ethiopia’s controversial maritime deal with Somaliland remains a complex issue as they prepare for further discussions. The agreement reinforces Turkey’s role as a significant mediator in the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
Ethiopia and Somalia have amicably settled their dispute concerning Ethiopia’s intended development of a port in the self-declared independence region of Somaliland, following discussions in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed this “historic agreement” as a significant step for Ethiopia, which is landlocked, to ensure its maritime access. Both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, during a joint press conference, committed to recognizing each other’s sovereignty. The tensions began in January when Ethiopia entered a maritime agreement with Somaliland, an act opposed by Somalia, intensifying fears of regional conflict, particularly in light of Egypt’s support for Somalia amidst ongoing disputes over Ethiopia’s Nile dam projects.
The territorial dynamics in the Horn of Africa are particularly intricate, heavily influenced by historical grievances and geopolitical interests. Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia over trois decades ago, has long sought international recognition, a goal that conflicts with the interests of Somalia, which views Somaliland as part of its territory. The underlying tensions were exacerbated when Ethiopia signed a controversial maritime deal with Somaliland to lease a section of its coastline for naval uses, a move perceived as encroaching on Somalia’s territorial rights. Recent interactions between Ethiopia, Somaliland, and Somalia highlight Turkey’s growing influence in the region, as it seeks to act as a mediator and an economic partner.
The agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia marks a pivotal moment in their bilateral relations, shifting from a state of contention to one of cooperation. Both leaders’ intentions to engage in further discussions signal a willingness to resolve past misunderstandings. However, the fate of the maritime deal with Somaliland, which remains ambiguous, poses challenges for future diplomatic engagements. Continued diplomatic efforts by Turkey and others will be vital in ensuring stability and enhancing economic ties in the strategically significant Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
