Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to “technical talks” to address disputes over Somaliland after Turkey mediated discussions. The aim is to respect Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia access to the sea, with talks beginning in February and concluding in four months. The agreement seeks to foster cooperation in the Horn of Africa amid the complex issue of Somaliland’s unrecognized status.
On Wednesday, Ethiopia and Somalia reached an agreement to engage in “technical talks” aimed at resolving a conflict stemming from Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago. This accord was announced following discussions in Turkey, which has been mediating between the two nations. The tensions arose when Ethiopia signed a memorandum enabling it to lease land from Somaliland for a marine base, which Somaliland used as a bargaining tool for recognition of its independence, a move Somalia claims violates its territorial integrity.
The joint declaration was made after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held separate meetings with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheik Mohamud and Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The forthcoming discussions, scheduled to begin in February and conclude within four months, aim to respect Somalia’s territorial sovereignty while acknowledging the potential benefits that Ethiopia may gain from maritime access. The emphasis will be on establishing commercial agreements that ensure Ethiopia has a sustainable route to the sea, albeit under the auspices of Somali sovereignty.
While Somaliland has developed a politically stable environment, Somalia continues to grapple with insecurity, exacerbated by threats from militant groups. President Erdogan remarked on the progress of discussions, asserting a commitment to a future based on cooperation and mutual respect between Ethiopia and Somalia. Prime Minister Abiy underscored that Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access is a peaceful initiative with benefits for neighboring countries, while President Mohamud emphasized the necessity for collaboration in the fragile and unpredictable Horn of Africa region.
The conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding Somaliland’s independence poses significant dimensions to regional stability and international relations in East Africa. Somaliland unilaterally seceded from Somalia over three decades ago but remains unrecognized by major international bodies such as the African Union and the United Nations. This lack of recognition complicates the regional dynamics considerably, as Somaliland seeks legitimacy while Somalia asserts its claim over the territory, especially in light of recent agreements enhancing Ethiopia’s presence in the region. Furthermore, the ongoing conflict with extremist groups within Somalia accentuates the need for resolution and cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia, both of which are key players in the region.
In summary, the recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia to enter technical talks marks a significant step toward resolving longstanding tensions revolving around Somaliland’s status. As both nations prepare to negotiate, the emphasis will be on respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity while facilitating Ethiopia’s access to the sea. The outcomes of these discussions could reshape relations in the Horn of Africa, reinforcing the need for collaboration in a region plagued by instability and insecurity.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
