Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after brokering a peace agreement to resolve tensions between the two nations. This significant diplomatic achievement follows months of negotiation in which Turkey mediated a resolution to disputes stemming from Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. Additionally, Erdogan is also engaging in efforts to mediate the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in the early months of 2025 following a significant diplomatic achievement. On December 11, during deliberations in Ankara, Erdogan brokered a deal to resolve the long-standing tensions between Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. This agreement marks the end of a nearly year-long dispute that escalated after Ethiopia leased a coastal stretch from Somalia’s autonomous region of Somaliland, leading to claims of sovereignty violations from Mogadishu.
The origins of this conflict trace back to January 2023, when Ethiopia engaged in discussions with Somaliland, a region that unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991. In exchange for a port and military base, Somaliland sought recognition from Ethiopia, a claim that remains unconfirmed by Addis Ababa. The situation necessitated international mediation, which was successfully undertaken by Turkey, resulting in a groundbreaking resolution acknowledged by various international bodies, including the African Union.
In conjunction with this diplomatic success, President Erdogan engaged with Sudan’s army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, proposing to mediate tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. Sudan has faced severe conflict since April 2023, primarily due to clashes between its military and the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, leading to widespread humanitarian crises and international ramifications.
The forthcoming visit signifies Turkey’s expanding role in mediating conflicts within the Horn of Africa, potentially enhancing regional stability. Such initiatives not only reflect on Turkey’s diplomatic ambitions but also highlight the intricate geopolitics of the Horn of Africa and the importance of negotiation in resolving prolonged disputes.
The Horn of Africa has been a region of considerable geopolitical tension and conflict. The dispute primarily spans Ethiopia, Somalia, and Somaliland. Ethiopia’s involvement with Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia decades ago yet remains unrecognized, has intensified disputes over sovereignty. Since early 2023, this burgeoning tension prompted Turkey to mediate between the conflicting parties, reflecting its increasing influence in African diplomacy as it navigates complex relationships within the region. The recent rapprochement between Ethiopia and Somalia is a critical marker of progress that could impact future stability in the Horn of Africa. Concurrently, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal internal conflict, exacerbated by external claims of foreign interference, particularly regarding the UAE’s alleged support for rebel factions. Erdogan’s recent outreach to Sudan’s military leadership underlines Turkey’s broader diplomatic thrust across African nations, aiming to resolve multifaceted tensions that threaten peace and stability.
In summary, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s impending visit to Ethiopia and Somalia is a pivotal development following a significant diplomatic resolution that alleviated longstanding tensions between these nations. The mediation effort spearheaded by Turkey illustrates a proactive foreign policy approach aimed at fostering stability within the volatile Horn of Africa. As Turkey enhances its diplomatic footprint in the region, the ongoing conflicts in Sudan further underscore the urgent need for resolution, positioning Erdogan as a critical player in regional diplomacy.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
