Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 following a successful mediation that resolved a year-long dispute between the two nations. His diplomatic efforts, praised by various international bodies, reflect Turkey’s increasing influence in regional crisis resolution, including ongoing conflicts in Sudan.
On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared his intention to visit Ethiopia and Somalia within the first two months of 2025, following his successful facilitation in resolving a prolonged dispute between the two nations in the Horn of Africa. This agreement, finalized in Ankara on December 11, is heralded by Erdogan as a significant diplomatic achievement.
The friction between Ethiopia and Somalia intensified in January when Ethiopia forged an agreement with Somaliland—a separatist region of Somalia—to lease coastal territory for the purpose of establishing a port and military facility. Somaliland, in this context, sought formal recognition from Ethiopia, a request that Addis Ababa did not publicly affirm. Somalia rendered this arrangement as a breach of its sovereignty, triggering apprehensions regarding the potential resurgence of hostilities in the area.
After extensive diplomatic engagements, including three rounds of discussions mediated by Turkey, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud successfully arrived at a consensus that brought an end to the impasse. This diplomatic breakthrough has garnered praise from the African Union, as well as the United States and the European Union, noting its significance in regional stability.
In addition to his efforts in the Horn of Africa, President Erdogan has also reached out to Sudan, where he proposed to mediate the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the UAE-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This crisis, which erupted in April 2023, has led to substantial loss of life and has displaced over 11 million individuals, highlighting the dire humanitarian implications of the situation.
Erdogan’s diplomatic initiatives in both the Horn of Africa and Sudan illustrate Turkey’s expanding influence in African and Middle Eastern affairs, emphasizing its role in mediating disputes involving various global and regional stakeholders.
The diplomatic dynamics in the Horn of Africa have become increasingly complex in recent months. Tensions flared between Ethiopia and Somalia over territorial and sovereignty issues, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. President Erdogan’s mediation signifies Turkey’s proactive foreign policy in resolving regional conflicts. This initiative not only aims to foster peace between Ethiopia and Somalia but also aligns with Erdogan’s broader strategy of enhancing Turkey’s diplomatic footprint across Africa and the Middle East, especially amidst ongoing crises in countries like Sudan.
In summary, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s announcement of a forthcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia underscores Turkey’s significant role in facilitating peace negotiations in the Horn of Africa. The resolution of tensions between these nations, following extensive mediation, is a testament to Erdogan’s growing influence as a mediator in regional conflicts. Simultaneously, his involvement in Sudan further demonstrates Turkey’s commitment to addressing humanitarian crises in the region, contributing to its diplomatic stature on a global scale.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
