Turkey will host talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to address disputes regarding Ethiopia’s quest for port access in the Horn of Africa. This follows rising tensions due to Ethiopia’s naval deal with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty. Turkey’s mediating role aims to foster dialogue and collaboration amid complex regional dynamics.
Turkey is poised to facilitate an important dialogue between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed this week. The meeting aims to address a protracted issue regarding Ethiopia’s ambitions for port access along the Horn of Africa. Additionally, Somali media indicate that President Mohamud will engage in direct discussions with Prime Minister Ahmed. However, both the Turkish foreign ministry and the Ethiopian embassy in Ankara have refrained from commenting on the matter.
Tensions have escalated between Somalia and Ethiopia following a naval agreement signed by Addis Ababa and the breakaway region of Somaliland, which Mogadishu perceives as a challenge to its sovereignty. Ankara has formed a robust political and security alliance with Somalia and has responded to these tensions by signing a comprehensive naval agreement with Mogadishu, which includes provisions to establish a Somali navy and safeguard its territorial waters. This partnership has also fostered an energy collaboration, marked by the deployment of Turkish drilling vessels along the Somali coast.
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia remain fraught, with Somali officials warning of potential military conflict should Ethiopia proceed with its naval accord with Somaliland. Earlier this year, Turkey hosted two rounds of talks aimed at mitigating these tensions, and progress was reported by Turkish officials in August. Given Turkey’s strengthened ties with Addis Ababa, particularly through the sale of drones during its civil conflict, Ankara’s role is critical in the ongoing negotiations.
The current political landscape is further complicated by Somaliland’s presidential elections, which have resulted in a leadership change. The newly elected President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi reportedly exhibits less willingness to accommodate Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed compared to his predecessor. As the talks approach, observers in Ankara are hopeful that this engagement may yield positive outcomes, potentially leading to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s involvement in resolving the situation.
Recent geopolitical developments in the Horn of Africa have underscored Turkey’s active role as a mediator between Somalia and Ethiopia. The historical dispute stems from Ethiopia’s desire for direct access to port facilities, which has been complicated by Somaliland’s unilateral moves towards independence that Somalia contests. Turkey’s growing influence in the region has allowed it to cultivate strong ties with Somalia, leading to cooperation in defense and energy. Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia escalated after Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland, raising concerns over Somali sovereignty. Amid these complexities, Turkey’s strategic partnerships may provide a framework for peaceful negotiations, as evidenced by prior diplomatic efforts. The change in Somaliland’s leadership adds a new dimension to the negotiations, prompting speculation about the future of relations in this geopolitically sensitive region.
In conclusion, Turkey’s upcoming hosting of talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed could represent a pivotal moment in the resolution of tensions over access to port facilities and issues of sovereignty in the Horn of Africa. The diplomatic efforts reflect Turkey’s commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in a region marked by political complexities. The evolving political dynamics, particularly following Somaliland’s presidential elections, will be crucial in shaping the outcomes of these discussions. The international community awaits further developments with interest, anticipating possible positive shifts in the longstanding relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
