Following a significant visit by Somalia’s President to Ethiopia, both nations have agreed to restore full diplomatic ties, aiming to mend a year-long rift. Türkiye’s mediation has been vital, leading to a framework for future negotiations and commitments to shared objectives, despite ongoing regional tensions regarding maritime access and military presence.
In a significant diplomatic turn, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud undertook a landmark visit to Ethiopia, culminating in the announcement that both nations would restore full diplomatic relations. This development is set to mend a yearlong rift that posed a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. Türkiye’s mediation proved crucial in facilitating dialogues that eventually led to this restoration, with the African Union and other international bodies commending the efforts.
The Ethiopia-Somalia Ankara Declaration outlines a plan for technical negotiations, facilitated by Türkiye, set to commence by February 2025. In a joint statement, leaders from both countries committed to resolving their differences and focusing on shared prosperity. Previously strained relations stemmed from Ethiopia’s desire for sea access, which intensified after its controversial agreement with Somaliland, escalating tensions that led to the expulsion of Ethiopia’s ambassador in Mogadishu last April.
During President Mohamud’s visit to Addis Ababa, both leaders reiterated their commitment to this renewed relationship and discussed enhancing cooperation against extremist threats. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan indicated that the recent agreement could eventually afford Ethiopia some access to maritime routes, yet specifics remain unclear. Noteworthy tensions persist within the region, as evidenced by discussions among Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea regarding Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions, emphasizing that any foreign military presence in the Red Sea is unacceptable. Following recent alignments against shared concerns about Ethiopia, Egypt and Somalia’s military collaboration has strengthened, notably evidenced by Egyptian troop involvement in the African Union’s stabilization efforts within Somalia.
Historically, Somalia and Ethiopia have navigated a complex relationship marked by border disputes, differing national interests, and regional power dynamics. Ethiopia’s ambition for direct access to the sea has been a longstanding issue, compounding grievances, particularly following its dealings with Somaliland. This friction reached a peak when Ethiopia’s actions in Somaliland in the previous year prompted severe diplomatic fallout. The recent mediation by Türkiye reflects emerging geopolitical influences in the Horn of Africa and the desire for stable, cooperative relations amongst these neighboring countries.
The restoration of diplomatic ties between Somalia and Ethiopia represents a pivotal step in repairing their historically fraught relationship. The commitment to technical negotiations and shared prosperity, alongside Türkiye’s mediating role, underscores a broader regional effort towards stability. While challenges remain, especially regarding Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations, the groundwork for renewed cooperation against common threats appears promising.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
