Kenya and Uganda will mediate the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, which threatens regional stability. Ethiopia has troops in Somalia and is facing backlash over its port plans in Somaliland. The conflict has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt. President Ruto stresses Somalia’s security is vital for regional investment.
Kenya’s President William Ruto announced on Saturday that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will engage in mediating the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, which poses a risk to regional stability. This conflict has arisen primarily due to disagreements over plans by Ethiopia to develop a port in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty.
Ethiopia currently has thousands of troops deployed in Somalia to combat insurgents linked to al-Qaeda. The disagreement has led Somalia to increasingly align itself with Egypt, which has been at odds with Ethiopia over the latter’s construction of a grand hydro dam on the Nile River. Meanwhile, Somaliland, which has maintained relative peace and autonomy since declaring independence in 1991, continues to seek international recognition, albeit unsuccessfully.
During a press briefing, President Ruto emphasized the importance of Somalia’s security to the overall stability of the region and its impact on fostering a conducive environment for business and investment. Previous efforts to mediate the conflict in Ankara, Turkey, have not yielded any progress. Officials from both Ethiopia’s government and Somalia’s foreign ministry have not responded to requests for comments as of yet.
The dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia is centered around Somaliland, a region that declared independence in 1991 but has not gained widespread international recognition. Ethiopia’s strategic interests in Somalia involve combatting terrorism, particularly from al-Qaeda affiliated groups. The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been strained due to territorial and recognition issues, especially as Somalia seeks alliances with rival nations like Egypt. The involvement of Kenya and Uganda highlights the regional dimension of the conflict, given its potential implications for economic stability and security in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, the involvement of Kenya and Uganda in mediating the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia reflects the urgency of addressing regional stability concerns. The history of Somaliland’s pursuit of recognition, Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia, and growing ties between Somalia and Egypt underscore the multifaceted nature of the conflict. As diplomatic efforts unfold, the implications for peace and regional cooperation remain significant.
Original Source: www.sowetanlive.co.za
