In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a landmark agreement to settle their prolonged conflict over a proposed port project in Somaliland, following influential talks in Turkey. This pivotal accord, hailed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aims to bolster Ethiopia's sea access while respecting Somalia's territorial concerns.
Ethiopia and Somalia Forge Historic Agreement to Resolve Somaliland Port Dispute
Ethiopia and Somalia Forge Historic Agreement to Resolve Somaliland Port Dispute
Resolution of contentious port ownership in the Horn of Africa promises stable regional relations.
Ethiopia's landlocked status has driven its quest for a maritime outlet, sparking tensions particularly with Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its territory. The feud intensified earlier this year when Ethiopia signed a controversial deal granting it a 50-year lease for a coastal section of Somaliland to establish a naval base. This agreement raised alarm internationally and added to regional tensions, especially given Egypt's backing of Somalia amid disputes over the Nile River dam.
In a joint statement from Ankara, both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed their commitment to mutual sovereignty, promising to work collaboratively moving forward. Erdogan characterized the agreement as "the first step towards a new beginning," emphasizing the importance of trust and cooperation between the two nations.
The two leaders acknowledged their readiness for further discussions, planning a subsequent meeting in February to focus on "technical talks." Meanwhile, efforts are underway to establish beneficial commercial exchanges that would secure Ethiopia's maritime access "under Somalia's sovereignty."
While the future of the maritime deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland remains uncertain—especially following Somaliland's recent presidential election—the new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has pledged to review such agreements. This raises questions about the continuity of bilateral relationships in the Horn of Africa, a region marked by strategic maritime interests and complex geopolitical dynamics.
As political tensions in the Horn of Africa continue to evolve, the agreement sets a positive precedent for negotiation and conciliation, promising a more stable future for both Ethiopia and Somalia amidst persistent regional stakes.
In a joint statement from Ankara, both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed their commitment to mutual sovereignty, promising to work collaboratively moving forward. Erdogan characterized the agreement as "the first step towards a new beginning," emphasizing the importance of trust and cooperation between the two nations.
The two leaders acknowledged their readiness for further discussions, planning a subsequent meeting in February to focus on "technical talks." Meanwhile, efforts are underway to establish beneficial commercial exchanges that would secure Ethiopia's maritime access "under Somalia's sovereignty."
While the future of the maritime deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland remains uncertain—especially following Somaliland's recent presidential election—the new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has pledged to review such agreements. This raises questions about the continuity of bilateral relationships in the Horn of Africa, a region marked by strategic maritime interests and complex geopolitical dynamics.
As political tensions in the Horn of Africa continue to evolve, the agreement sets a positive precedent for negotiation and conciliation, promising a more stable future for both Ethiopia and Somalia amidst persistent regional stakes.
