The African Union urged Ethiopia and Somalia to implement an agreement aimed at resolving tensions regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea. The deal, brokered in Turkey, follows a controversial arrangement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Both nations expressed a commitment to cooperation and regional stability, emphasizing technical talks to be conducted soon.
The African Union (AU) has called upon Somalia and Ethiopia to promptly execute a recent agreement aimed at alleviating ongoing tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This appeal follows a contentious arrangement made by landlocked Ethiopia with Somaliland to lease coastal territory for a port and military establishment. In return, Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, sought formal recognition from Ethiopia, a claim that remains unverified and has been met with resistance from Somalia, prompting concerns of potential conflict in the region.
The agreement was reached in Turkey, facilitated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and endorsed by both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who emphasized their shared interests in stability and cooperation. African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted the urgency of implementing this agreement without delay, although specifics regarding the agreed measures were not disclosed. The East African regional bloc, IGAD, also recognized the deal as a significant advancement towards amicable resolutions between the two nations.
The agreement strives to foster collaboration between Somalia and Ethiopia, establishing Ethiopia’s sustainable access to the sea under Somalia’s authority. Technical talks are scheduled to commence by the end of February and are expected to conclude within four months, with any disputes addressed through dialogue, potentially aided by Turkey. However, the impact of this accord on the contentious memorandum of understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia has yet to be clarified. Notably, Ethiopia has articulated its commitment to acquiring coastal access, while Somalia has recently fortified its alliances with Egypt.
The relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has historically been marked by tension, particularly revolving around land and maritime disputes. The emergence of Somaliland, a region that unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has complicated the dynamics between these neighbors. The recent deal proposed by Ethiopia with Somaliland sparked alarm bells for Mogadishu, emphasizing the fragility of peace in the Horn of Africa, where competing interests can easily lead to renewed hostilities. The call by the African Union for swift implementation of the agreement reflects an understanding of the region’s volatility and the necessity for cooperative governance.
In summary, the African Union has made a decisive call for Somalia and Ethiopia to act swiftly on their recent agreement designed to resolve tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s access to the sea. The gravity of the situation has been amplified by historical disputes and recent developments with Somaliland. The regional blocs affirming this agreement underscore its potential to foster stability, yet the successful realization of this accord depends on the meticulous execution of the established terms and the management of outstanding disputes.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
