The African Union has called on Ethiopia and Somalia to quickly implement a newly reached agreement to mitigate tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s prior dealings with Somaliland. Following talks brokered by Turkey, leaders from both nations expressed their intent to cooperate and ensure Ethiopia’s access to the sea while respecting Somali sovereignty. International figures are observing the developments, stressing the need for peaceful resolutions in the region.
The African Union has strongly urged Ethiopia and Somalia to promptly implement an agreement designed to alleviate the longstanding tensions between the two nations, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s access to maritime resources. This call follows a controversial deal made in January between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, which sparked allegations of sovereignty violations from Somalia. Recent negotiations brokered by Turkey resulted in what is described as an “historic” agreement aimed at fostering cooperation amidst previous discord. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are anticipated to engage in technical discussions to ensure Ethiopia realizes its objective of a secure, reliable, and sustainable sea access under Somali sovereignty. The Ethiopian leader has consistently emphasized a preference for diplomatic resolutions over military confrontations concerning access to the sea, aligning with global calls for peace from entities including the United Nations and the United States.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia are rooted in Ethiopia’s landlocked status following Eritrea’s independence in 1993, which removed Ethiopia’s direct access to the sea. The subsequent agreement made between Ethiopia and Somaliland to lease a section of coastline has exacerbated concerns in Somalia, which argues that its sovereignty is being undermined. The ongoing negotiations facilitated by Turkey characterize a significant step towards resolving these disputes and ensuring collaborative progress in the region, which has been historically prone to conflicts and instability.
The African Union’s appeal for the immediate execution of the newly negotiated agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia highlights the urgent need for regional stability and cooperation. As both nations express shared interests in peace, the commitment to navigating their differences through dialogue presents a hopeful avenue for resolving past grievances. Additionally, the international community remains watchful, advocating for respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of amicable relations in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
