The ATMIS has commended an agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at resolving a dispute over a port in Somaliland. Key leaders emphasized the importance of implementing the agreement to enhance regional peace and cooperation. Tensions had previously arisen due to Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence, but both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mutual sovereignty and cooperation through this recent pact.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has expressed strong support for the recent agreement reached between Somalia and Ethiopia, aimed at resolving a longstanding dispute concerning Ethiopia’s initiative to establish a port in Somaliland, a region within Somalia. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and the Head of ATMIS, addressed the significance of the deal signed in Ankara, Turkey, highlighting it as a critical step towards enhancing regional peace and stability. He emphasized ATMIS’s commitment to assisting Somalia in its state-building and security transition efforts, echoing the aspirations of the Somali people and aligning with the African Union’s vision for a stable Africa.
In a public statement, Souef encouraged both nations to implement the terms of the agreement effectively while fostering mutual trust and collaboration. The Chairperson of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, also welcomed the pact, recognizing it as a commendable act of leadership by both leaders, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Mahamat’s statement reiterated the importance of quick and decisive actions for the successful realization of the agreed-upon measures.
Tensions had previously escalated between Somalia and Ethiopia following an agreement where Ethiopia and Somaliland allegedly granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence, a move that Somalia strongly opposed. In their joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while acknowledging the need to finalize arrangements for Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes.
The ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia revolve primarily around issues of territorial integrity and recognition, particularly concerning the status of Somaliland. After Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in the early 1990s, Ethiopia sought to solidify economic ties with the self-declared republic, leading to clashes over maritime access and regional influence. This latest agreement symbolizes a crucial diplomatic effort to mend relations and promote cooperation, viewed as a necessary strategy for ensuring stability in the Horn of Africa, which has been affected by various conflicts and humanitarian crises.
In conclusion, the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia marks a pivotal moment for regional diplomacy, fostering hope for a more stable coexistence. The leadership shown by both nations is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and understanding. Observers remain cautiously optimistic that the measures outlined will yield positive outcomes for both countries and, by extension, the entire region.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
