Turkey will host talks this week between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to address a conflict regarding Ethiopia’s access to ports in the Horn of Africa. The discussions come amid tensions due to Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty. The political dynamics have shifted with new leadership in Somaliland and ongoing Turkish involvement in mediating the situation.
Turkey is poised to facilitate discussions this week between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed aimed at resolving a protracted conflict concerning Ethiopia’s ambitions for port access to the Horn of Africa. Reports indicate that President Mohamud will engage directly with Prime Minister Ahmed during this visit. Meanwhile, the Turkish foreign ministry and the Ethiopian embassy in Ankara have refrained from commenting on the negotiations.
Earlier this year, Ethiopia entered into a naval agreement with Somaliland, a development that has been perceived by Mogadishu as a challenge to its sovereignty, as it implies recognition of Somaliland’s self-proclaimed independence. In response to these heightened tensions, Turkey, which has cultivated robust political and security alliances with Somalia, completed a comprehensive naval accord with Mogadishu that includes initiatives for establishing a Somali navy and safeguarding its territorial waters from external threats. This agreement has also enabled an energy partnership, with Turkish energy exploration vessels operating along the Somali shoreline.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been fraught with tension, particularly as Somali officials issued threats of military action against Addis Ababa should the naval accord with Somaliland proceed. Turkey has already facilitated two rounds of talks between both nations at the ministerial level this year, with Turkish officials announcing in August that some progress was achieved in these discussions. Ankara’s connections with Addis Ababa are further evidenced by the sale of drones to Ethiopia, which bolstered its government during the civil conflict against Tigray forces.
Analysts in Ankara interpret the upcoming talks between Mohamud and Ahmed as a potential harbinger of constructive relations. Previous discussions suggested that Somalia might offer Ethiopia access to a strategically important port near their shared border, contingent on Ethiopia retracting its naval agreement with Somaliland. The political landscape has shifted following recent elections in Somaliland, with new President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi appearing less accommodating towards Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed than his predecessor. Should the dialogues yield positive outcomes, it is anticipated that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could play a pivotal role in guiding the negotiations to a successful conclusion.
The ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia are significantly influenced by Ethiopia’s recent naval agreement with Somaliland, which is seen as undermining Somalia’s national sovereignty. Turkey’s involvement is rooted in its established relations with both countries, particularly with Somalia, where it has developed a strong partnership encompassing security and economic cooperation. The dynamics of the situation have been further complicated by internal political changes within Somaliland.
In conclusion, the forthcoming talks hosted by Turkey between the Somali and Ethiopian leaders represent a critical step toward resolving a longstanding dispute over port access and sovereignty issues. The evolving political landscape in Somaliland and the recent agreements between Turkey, Somalia, and Ethiopia indicate that diplomatic endeavors could yield significant developments in regional stability. Should negotiations proceed effectively, Turkey’s role may be vital in fostering a resolution.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
