The African Union urged Ethiopia and Somalia to implement an agreement aimed at resolving tensions over Ethiopia’s maritime access. An accord derived from Turkish mediation seeks to foster cooperation between the two nations. The situation is complicated by Ethiopia’s earlier deal with Somaliland, which remains contentious in the eyes of Somalia.
On Thursday, the African Union urged Ethiopia and Somalia to promptly execute an agreement aimed at resolving tensions concerning Ethiopia’s access to the sea, deeming it a significant act. The discord began after Ethiopia established a port and military base agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in Somalia, which sparked accusations from Somalia about a breach of its sovereignty. Following negotiations mediated by Turkey, an agreement was reached that outlines the collaborative efforts of Ethiopia and Somalia to address their differences and ensure Ethiopia has sustained access to the sea under Somalia’s sovereignty.
The leaders of both nations met in Ankara and were hopeful that the agreement would facilitate Ethiopia’s long-sought access to maritime trade routes. Technical discussions concerning the implementation of the accord are scheduled to commence no later than the end of February and are expected to conclude within four months. Notably, neither Ethiopia nor Somalia has provided clarity on how the recent agreement will influence the existing controversial memorandum between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Despite the resolution reached, Somalia has enhanced its alliances with Egypt in light of Ethiopia’s aspirations, reflecting a complex geopolitical environment in the region.
The ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia stem from Ethiopia’s landlocked status since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Ethiopia has sought ways to secure access to the sea, emphasizing the necessity for coastal infrastructure and trade routes to bolster its economic standing. The situation escalated when Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland earlier this year, leading Somalia to perceive this agreement as a violation of its jurisdiction over its territory. The African Union and other international actors have expressed concern over potential conflicts arising from these developments.
In conclusion, the African Union’s appeal to Ethiopia and Somalia underscores the necessity for immediate action to implement the recent agreement aimed at fostering cooperation and peace. This development marks a crucial turning point in regional relations, albeit fraught with complexities regarding the existing dynamics surrounding Somaliland. Continued diplomatic efforts are essential to ensure stability in East Africa and protect the sovereignty of all involved parties.
Original Source: www.enca.com
