Turkey has mediated a deal granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, resolving a year-long dispute with Somalia while nullifying an earlier agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, thus preserving Somali sovereignty.
Turkey has successfully mediated a significant agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, providing Ethiopia with access to both the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. This agreement addresses a long-standing dispute that had the potential to lead to regional conflict. Notably, this new arrangement supersedes a previous agreement that would have granted Ethiopia a naval base in the breakaway region of Somaliland in exchange for Somaliland’s recognition of independence.
Dubbed the “Ankara Declaration,” the new agreement allows Ethiopia alternative maritime access, while preserving the sovereignty of Somalia and refraining from legitimizing Somaliland’s claim to independence. Somaliland had previously proposed a similar offer to Ethiopia for Red Sea access in exchange for recognition, but this offer has now been complicated by Turkey’s intervention. This intervention came after Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2024, which Somalia contested, arguing it violated its sovereignty.
As tensions escalated, Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador and their African Union peacekeepers. The Turkish mediation resulted in a deal that alleviates Ethiopia’s maritime access concerns without encroaching on Somali sovereignty, effectively nullifying the January 2024 agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, regardless of Somaliland’s stance on the matter.
This development leaves Somaliland in a precarious position, as its aspiration for international recognition appears increasingly unsupported under the terms of the Ankara Declaration. The implications of this mediation not only focus on Ethiopia’s access to trade routes but also signal a shift in the regional dynamics of power and recognition.
The context of this agreement highlights the intricate geopolitical dynamics within the Horn of Africa, particularly the historical claim of Somaliland for independence from Somalia since 1991. The region has experienced prolonged disputes concerning territorial integrity and autonomy, further complicated by ongoing conflicts in neighboring regions. The involvement of Turkey underscores its growing influence in African diplomatic affairs, aiming to stabilize tensions and create a cooperative environment among Horn of Africa nations.
In conclusion, Turkey’s mediation in the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute marks a pivotal moment for regional diplomacy, providing Ethiopia with necessary maritime access while upholding Somalia’s sovereignty. The annulment of the January 2024 deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia raises questions regarding Somaliland’s future as its quest for independence seems sidelined. This agreement reflects Turkey’s strategic role in fostering stability in Africa and reshaping regional alliances amidst complex political landscapes.
Original Source: oilprice.com
