Somalia and Ethiopia have resolved their diplomatic dispute, according to Somalia’s foreign minister, who stated that no concessions were made. This development follows a recent visit from an Ethiopian delegation, marking an improvement in relations that were severely strained by Ethiopia’s maritime deal with Somaliland. The two countries are now focused on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperating on peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.
Somalia’s foreign minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, announced the resolution of a diplomatic dispute with Ethiopia, stating that Somalia had made no concessions. Ethiopia has yet to respond to this claim but indicated a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations. The tensions arose last January when Ethiopia signed a maritime agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia regards as part of its territory. Following a recent visit from an Ethiopian delegation, there appears to be a thaw in relations, particularly regarding the role of Ethiopian troops in Somalia and collaboration on the African Union peacekeeping mission. Both nations are working towards achieving mutually beneficial arrangements, ensuring Ethiopia maintains maritime access under Somalia’s sovereignty. The situation has significantly improved after a Turkey-mediated agreement last month, which included recognition of each other’s sovereignty and future technical talks. This diplomatic maneuvering indicates a desire to repair relations, which had previously been strained to the brink of regional conflict.
The strained relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been a longstanding issue, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s signing of a maritime deal with Somaliland last year, a region that has sought independence from Somalia for over three decades. Somalia saw this move as a violation of its sovereignty and a potential pathway to further regional instability, especially with fears of wider geopolitical alignments, such as Ethiopia’s ties with Egypt. The involvement of Turkey in mediating discussions has been pivotal in re-establishing diplomatic communication and fostering a collaborative approach between the two nations. As both countries aim to enhance their diplomatic and economic ties, the resolution of past tensions becomes crucial for stability in the Horn of Africa.
In conclusion, the recent declarations from Somalia and Ethiopia mark a notable step towards alleviating tensions that have historically plagued their relations. The acknowledgment of each other’s sovereignty and the commitment to strengthening ties, particularly through cooperation on peacekeeping efforts, highlight a potential for a more stable regional future. The impact of Turkey’s mediation underscores the importance of international diplomacy in resolving local disputes. Both nations now look towards technical talks to finalize mutually beneficial commercial arrangements, which could further solidify their diplomatic resolution.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
