Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved their dispute over Somaliland’s port through negotiations in Turkey, facilitated by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Both nations agreed to respect sovereignty and reconvene for technical discussions, while Ethiopia’s earlier maritime deal with Somaliland remains unresolved. The agreement is seen as a crucial development for Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes, amidst regional geopolitical tensions involving Egypt and Somaliland’s quest for recognition.
In a significant diplomatic development, Ethiopia and Somalia have emerged from their longstanding discord regarding Somaliland’s port after negotiations in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed this “historic agreement” as pivotal for enhancing landlocked Ethiopia’s maritime access. During a press conference, Erdogan, flanked by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, underscored the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty. This resolution comes after Ethiopia’s earlier maritime accord with Somaliland, which had aggravated tensions in the region due to Somalia’s claim over Somaliland’s territory.
The fractious relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia intensified following Ethiopia’s January maritime deal with Somaliland to lease a coastal stretch for establishing a naval base. Acknowledging the gravity of these issues, both leaders expressed commitment to resolving misunderstandings that have persisted over the past year. Erdogan characterized the agreement as “the first step towards a new beginning,” which was welcomed by both Ethiopian and Somali leadership. Moreover, the two nations are set to reconvene in February for additional technical discussions aimed at fostering mutually beneficial commercial arrangements regarding maritime access under Somalia’s jurisdiction.
Somaliland, seeking international recognition since its secession from Somalia, has found itself at the center of geopolitical tensions which include the involvement of Egypt, a supporter of Somalia due to its grievances with Ethiopia over Nile waters. Furthermore, the election of a new Somaliland president committed to reviewing the previous maritime agreement adds a layer of complexity to the situation. The Horn of Africa remains strategically vital, serving as a gateway for international maritime activities.
The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia marks a potential turning point in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. For decades, Somaliland has asserted its independence from Somalia but lacks widespread international recognition. As the world’s most-populous landlocked nation, Ethiopia relies heavily on maritime access for trade and development, making this dispute crucial for its economic interests. The involvement of regional powerhouses such as Egypt and Turkey accentuates the complexities of this issue, with each actor pursuing divergent strategic goals in a region characterized by historical tensions and territorial disputes.
The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a vital step towards mitigating regional tensions and fostering economic collaboration. The commitment from both nations to engage in future dialogues and establish mutually beneficial arrangements may pave the way for a more stable geopolitical environment in the Horn of Africa. However, the situation remains fluid, particularly with internal developments in Somaliland and potential shifts in regional alliances. Continued diplomatic efforts will be essential to solidify this agreement and ensure sustained peace and cooperation in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
