The Ankara Declaration, announced on December 11, 2024, marks a significant agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia to move towards peace, facilitated by Türkiye. Despite the positive implications for regional stability and economic cooperation, skepticism persists regarding the sincerity of both parties, given Ethiopia’s historical territorial claims over Somali land and Prime Minister Abiye Ahmed’s conflicting statements on sovereignty. The upcoming negotiations will need to address numerous challenges to ensure a fruitful and lasting relationship between the two countries.
On December 11, 2024, a noteworthy development occurred for the Horn of Africa, marked by the announcement of the Ankara Declaration. This agreement, facilitated by Türkiye, represents a significant shift in relations between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Republic of Ethiopia. The Turkish government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, played a crucial role in encouraging Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiye Ahmed Ali to pivot away from potential conflict and toward a collaborative approach.
Despite the apparent positives of this accord, skepticism looms over its implications. Critics within Somalia contend that Ethiopia’s historical aggressions, including territorial claims over significant portions of Somali land, have been inadequately addressed. Many Somalis feel that they have conceded too much, interpreting the willingness to negotiate as an unnecessary appeasement of an aggressor. This sentiment raises questions regarding the legitimacy of the agreement.
Moreover, Prime Minister Abiye Ahmed’s previous assertions regarding respect for Somalia’s sovereignty appear contradictory in light of recent developments. Although he has publicly supported Somalia’s territorial integrity, many remain unconvinced of his sincerity, perceiving the Ankara Declaration as a means to secure commercial interests for Ethiopia at the expense of Somalia’s territorial claims. This tension is compounded by a politically dynamic landscape within Somalia, wherein changing public opinion may pressure leaders into unwise agreements.
The upcoming negotiations, planned for February 2025, are set against a backdrop of urgent necessity and scrutiny. Experts doubt the feasibility of achieving meaningful agreements in a compressed timeframe, given the complexity of future port and corridor management discussions. Historical conflicts between these nations suggest that a rushed agreement could perpetuate rather than resolve existing tensions.
Key elements of the Ankara Declaration promise commercial access for Ethiopia via Somali coastal ports, an appealing proposition that requires careful management to ensure mutual benefits. Nonetheless, apprehension persists, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s ambitions to develop a naval force, which raises alarm among Somalis regarding sovereignty and security within their waters. Trust-building measures over several years will be necessary to alleviate these concerns.
While the Ankara Declaration symbolizes a possible turning point toward economic integration and peace between the two nations, it unravel a myriad of challenges that transcend emerging agreements. The responsibilities for security and infrastructure must be clearly delineated and trusted between both parties to cultivate long-lasting stability in the region.
The Horn of Africa has long been a region marked by conflict and territorial disputes, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. Historical tensions have frequently escalated to military confrontations, which prompted various international actors to seek peaceful resolutions. The Ankara Declaration aims to provide a framework for cooperation, yet the underlying issues pertaining to territorial integrity and national sovereignty remain contentious. The endorsement of this declaration by both leaders comes amidst vigorous debate and skepticism from the populations they represent, particularly in Somalia, where territorial disputes are a deeply sensitive issue. The backdrop of political instability and economic aspirations adds further complexity to the situation, necessitating cautious navigation to ensure that agreements contribute to lasting peace rather than temporary fixes.
In conclusion, the Ankara Declaration represents a pivotal moment in the diplomatic landscape of the Horn of Africa, opening the door for potential economic collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia. However, the prevailing skepticism and historical grievances pose significant challenges that need to be addressed to foster genuine trust and cooperation. The forthcoming negotiations must prioritizes comprehensive agreements that can withstand the scrutiny of both nations’ populations, ensuring that security, sovereignty, and the prospects for prosperity are maintained. Only with a commitment to long-term partnership can both nations hope to transcend their tumultuous past and build a stable and harmonious future together.
Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com
