The African Union has called on Somalia and Ethiopia to execute a key agreement to resolve tensions over Ethiopia’s sea access following a controversial agreement with Somaliland. This development comes after Turkish-brokered negotiations aimed at fostering cooperation and stability in the region.
The African Union has urged Somalia and Ethiopia to promptly implement a recently reached agreement aimed at mitigating longstanding tensions regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This agreement arises following Ethiopia’s contentious deal with Somaliland, which has claimed a stretch of coastline for a port and military base, causing Somalia to raise concerns about its sovereignty. Turkish-brokered discussions have culminated in this important accord, encouraging cooperation between the neighboring countries to achieve mutual prosperity and stability in the region.
The relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia has been historically complex, particularly highlighted by Ethiopia’s lack of direct access to the sea since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Tensions escalated when Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland, a region that unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized. The African Union views the new agreement as an essential step towards enhancing regional stability and lays the groundwork for further technical discussions expected to take place shortly.
In summary, the African Union’s call for the swift implementation of the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia reflects both a recognition of the significant risks posed by unresolved tensions and a hopeful step toward establishing collaborative relations. As the parties prepare for upcoming technical talks, the resolution of their disputes will be critical to ensuring stability and addressing the longstanding issues surrounding Ethiopia’s access to the sea.
Original Source: www.seychellesnewsagency.com
