Ethiopia and Somalia resolve territorial disputes through Turkey's mediation, marking a new era of cooperation
ANKARA — Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a significant agreement to resolve their nearly year-long diplomatic feud, with Turkey playing a neutral role as mediator.
Following extensive talks in Ankara, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud finalized a deal, described as “historic” by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, to foster cooperation and stability in the Horn of Africa, DW reported.
Ethiopia Signed a Controversial Memorandum Prior to the Peace Agreement
The disagreement erupted in January after Ethiopia signed a controversial memorandum with Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland. The deal offered Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline for a military base in exchange for recognition, prompting Somalia to view the move as an infringement on its sovereignty. Tensions escalated, raising fears of regional instability.
Terms of the Agreement
The agreement ensures that Ethiopia will gain reliable sea access under Somalia’s sovereignty, fostering collaboration in commercial arrangements and technical discussions.
Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, emphasized that Ethiopia’s efforts to secure sea access were motivated by peaceful intentions, benefiting both nations. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed optimism, pledging to work together with Ethiopia for lasting peace.
Abiy welcomed the outcome, stating, “Ethiopia’s venture for sea access will benefit our neighbors and must be built on trust, not suspicion.” Similarly, Mohamud emphasized Somalia’s willingness to work towards regional harmony.
Erdogan also praised the agreement as a “new beginning,” highlighting its focus on peaceful collaboration. Under the terms, the first party will secure “safe and reliable” sea access through Somali sovereign territory, with further technical negotiations scheduled to conclude by mid-2025.
Strategic solutions to the Conflict had Previously Failed in the Region
The Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, having persisted, resulted from deep-rooted geopolitical and economic issues. Ethiopia, being Africa’s second-most populous nation, has long sought a strategic solution to its landlocked status since Eritrea’s independence in 1993.
However, the January deal heightened tensions, compounding existing challenges such as ethnic conflicts within Ethiopia and economic strains, including inflation and infrastructural shortfalls.
Meanwhile, Somalia faces persistent security threats from insurgent group al-Shabaab, coupled with economic fragility despite recent progress, such as debt relief under the HIPC initiative.
The country’s political stability remains fragile, with federal-state relations often strained. Both nations now face the challenge of implementing this agreement while navigating their internal struggles.
Turkey Demonstrates Its Expanding Global Influence
Turkey’s role as a mediator further indicates its expanding influence in Africa, leveraging economic and political ties to facilitate peace efforts. The agreement marks a critical step toward reducing tensions in a strategically vital region, home to key trade routes and ongoing foreign interests.
