Faith Nyasuguta
Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to hold “technical talks” to address tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s contentious deal with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region. This progress was announced in a joint statement after mediation talks hosted by Turkey on Wednesday.
The dispute traces back to Ethiopia’s January memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, granting Ethiopia leased coastal land to establish a marine base. In exchange, Ethiopia pledged to recognize Somaliland’s independence, a stance Somalia decried as a breach of its territorial sovereignty.
Turkey has played a key mediating role, hosting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in separate discussions. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the agreement as a major step toward easing tensions between the two countries. Speaking at a late-night news conference in Ankara, Erdogan said, “By overcoming misunderstandings, we have initiated a new era of peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia.”
Outcome of the talks
According to the joint declaration, technical discussions will commence by February 2025 and conclude within four months. These talks aim to safeguard Somalia’s territorial integrity while addressing Ethiopia’s economic and strategic need for sea access.
The agreement includes plans to finalize “mutually advantageous commercial arrangements” that will provide Ethiopia secure, reliable access to the sea under Somalia’s sovereign authority, a critical point for Mogadishu.
The Somaliland factor
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia over three decades ago, but the international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, does not recognize its sovereignty. Despite this, Somaliland has maintained a relatively stable political environment, contrasting with Somalia’s struggles with insecurity and militant violence from al-Shabaab.
The November presidential election in Somaliland brought a change in leadership. An opposition leader critical of Ethiopia’s MoU won the presidency and was set to be inaugurated on Thursday. This development could influence future talks.
Ethiopia’s strategic needs
Ethiopia, home to over 120 million people, is the world’s most populous landlocked nation and views sea access as vital to its economic and regional ambitions. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that the initiative is a peaceful endeavor meant to benefit neighboring countries.
“I believe today’s constructive discussions will help usher in a new era of cooperation, friendship, and mutual benefit,” Abiy said, signaling optimism for the future.
The Horn of Africa remains a region fraught with instability and volatility, making collaboration between its nations crucial. Somali President Mohamud noted the importance of fostering mutual benefits between Ethiopia and Somalia to stabilize the region.
Turkey’s involvement in the dispute extends beyond mediation. Ankara has cultivated strong ties with Somalia, including defense and energy agreements, while also maintaining economic and trade relations with Ethiopia. Erdogan’s active role in facilitating the talks reflects Turkey’s growing influence in the region.
A new phase
While challenges remain, the joint declaration marks a promising step toward resolving the rift. By focusing on cooperation over division, both nations have signaled a willingness to rebuild relations.
Erdogan concluded, “We have reached an important stage in resolving this dispute and have chosen peace and cooperation over division.”
With scheduled technical talks and international attention, these negotiations may prove pivotal in shaping the future dynamics of the Horn of Africa.
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