Turkey will host direct talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to address a dispute regarding Ethiopia’s desire for port access. The talks come amid heightened tensions following Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty. Turkey’s strategic partnerships are central to facilitating these discussions.
Turkey is poised to facilitate discussions between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed this week, aimed at resolving an ongoing conflict regarding Ethiopia’s ambitions for port access in the Horn of Africa. Reports indicate that President Mohamud will engage in direct negotiations with Prime Minister Ahmed during his visit. In the backdrop of these discussions, Turkey’s foreign ministry and the Ethiopian embassy in Ankara have refrained from providing comments on the ongoing talks.
The tension primarily arose when Ethiopia entered into a naval agreement with Somaliland, which is perceived by Mogadishu as a challenge to its sovereignty, given Somaliland’s claim of independence. In response to these developments, Turkey, which has forged robust security and political ties with Somalia, established a comprehensive naval pact with Mogadishu. This agreement encompasses plans for the formation of a Somali navy and the safeguarding of its waters from external threats, paving the way for a partnership in energy exploration along Somalia’s coast.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia remains fraught, with Somali leaders considering military action if Ethiopia proceeds with its naval accord with Somaliland. Earlier this year, Turkey has already conducted two rounds of foreign ministerial talks between the two nations, with tangible progress reported in August. Additionally, Ankara has maintained close security cooperation with Addis Ababa, facilitating the sale of drones that supported Ethiopia during its civil strife against Tigray forces.
The upcoming meeting is seen as a potential avenue for progress, as sources suggest Somalia may propose granting Ethiopia access to a port in exchange for a retraction of the naval agreement with Somaliland. However, the recent election of a new president in Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has introduced new complexities, as he is perceived to be less favorable towards Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed than his predecessor. Many observers in Ankara speculate that if discussions yield positive results, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could play a pivotal role in achieving a resolution.
This article addresses the planned diplomatic talks between Somali and Ethiopian leaders, organized by Turkey, to address a protracted disagreement stemming from Ethiopia’s push for port access. The geopolitical landscape involves a sensitive backdrop of Somalia’s concerns over Somaliland’s claim to independence and the implications of Ethiopia’s agreements within the region. In addition, the Turkey-Somalia partnership has emerged in response to these tensions, as Turkey seeks to bolster security cooperation and protect Somali territorial waters, indicating the significance of alliances in addressing regional disputes.
In summary, Turkey’s initiative to mediate talks between Somalia and Ethiopia may pave the way for resolving ongoing disputes regarding maritime access and sovereignty. The complex interplay of regional politics, exacerbated by Somaliland’s recent actions and elections, necessitates careful navigation by all involved parties. Should the negotiations be successful, Turkey might further solidify its influence as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
