President Erdoğan is set to visit Ethiopia and Somalia early in 2025 after mediating a historic deal that resolved disputes over territorial sovereignty which originated from an Ethiopia-Somaliland agreement. The breakthrough was facilitated by Türkiye’s proactive diplomacy, emphasizing its role in strengthening ties and promoting stability in the Horn of Africa.
In a significant diplomatic move, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 following a landmark agreement aimed at resolving ongoing tensions between the two nations. This announcement was made during an event focused on youth engagement in Erzurum, where Erdoğan emphasized the importance of the deal brokered in Ankara between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The agreement comes after months of conflict related to Ethiopia’s dealings with the breakaway region of Somaliland, which had implications for Somalia’s sovereignty and raised concerns of potential conflict in the region.
The tensions originated in January 2023 when Ethiopia entered into a controversial deal with Somaliland to utilize a coastal area for a port and military base, leading to Somalia’s claims of sovereignty violation. Türkiye intervened in July, facilitating several mediation talks which concluded with the successful agreement hailed by Erdoğan as historic. His assertion that Türkiye’s robust relations with both parties influenced the progress of negotiations showcases the diplomatic efforts that were critical in achieving this outcome.
Erdoğan further noted that the longstanding nature of the dispute is exacerbated by Ethiopia’s landlocked status, which he claimed is a considerable challenge for the nation. He expressed pride in Türkiye’s supportive role for Somalia during challenging times and emphasized Ankara’s commitment to assisting both Somalia and Ethiopia in various sectors including economic development and defense. Following his diplomatic success in the Horn of Africa, Erdoğan extended Türkiye’s offer to mediate in the conflicts arising in Sudan, highlighting Turkey’s role as a peace facilitator in the region.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia primarily stem from a deal made by Ethiopia in early 2023 with Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The agreement involved Ethiopia leasing coastal territory, a move that Somalia interpreted as a direct violation of its sovereignty. The historical complexity of Ethiopia’s landlocked geography and its aspirations for access to maritime trade routes complicates the political landscape, making diplomacy vital to maintain peace and stability. Türkiye’s involvement in mediating the dispute indicates its growing influence in East African geopolitics, especially as it has previously supported Somalia during critical periods of instability.
In summary, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s forthcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 marks a pivotal moment in addressing the protracted tensions between the two nations. The successful mediation by Türkiye underscores its role as a crucial diplomatic player in the Horn of Africa. Erdoğan’s statements reflect a commitment to fostering peace and collaboration in a region that has faced significant challenges. The implications of this breakthrough may extend beyond these two nations, influencing broader regional dynamics.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
