The African Union has urged Ethiopia and Somalia to promptly implement an agreement aimed at resolving tensions over Ethiopia’s access to the sea, following a controversial lease deal with Somaliland. Turkish-led negotiations led to a commitment for cooperation, emphasizing respect for Somalia’s sovereignty while enabling Ethiopia to seek reliable access to coastal resources. International leaders have expressed support for the agreement, which aims to promote regional stability and prosperity.
The African Union has called for the immediate implementation of an agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, targeting the alleviation of tensions arising from Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This resolution follows Ethiopia’s controversial leasing of coastal land from Somaliland, a region that has declared independence from Somalia. The Turkish-led negotiations between the two nations resulted in a mutual commitment to address grievances collaboratively while emphasizing Somalia’s sovereignty.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended negotiations in Ankara that initially proved challenging. However, following discussions, a historic agreement was heralded, aiming to prioritize peace and cooperation within the region. The African Union’s Chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, highlighted the importance of the accord, urging both countries to implement agreed measures without delay and underscoring the potential for bilateral prosperity.
Under the agreement, Ethiopia is expected to receive “reliable, safe and sustainable access” to the sea while recognizing Somalia’s sovereign authority. The countries are scheduled to initiate technical discussions to solidify this agreement, with support from Turkey as necessary. The international community, including top officials from the United States and the United Nations, has expressed optimism about the future of the negotiations.
The backdrop of the agreement lies in the historically tense relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s landlocked status since Eritrea’s independence in 1993. The recent leasing deal struck between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which remains unrecognized by the Somali government, has sparked significant controversy. The Ethiopian government seeks coastal access to facilitate trade and economic growth, while Somalia perceives this arrangement as a challenge to its territorial integrity. The involvement of Turkey highlights an emerging diplomatic influence in East African affairs, with the potential to reshape regional dynamics.
In conclusion, the African Union’s call for swift action on the Ethiopia-Somalia agreement illustrates the urgency of maintaining stability in a strategically significant region. The collaborative approach pursued by both nations, supported by international stakeholders, aims to address long-standing disputes and enhance mutual cooperation. Future dialogues will be pivotal in ensuring the success of this agreement and mitigating risks of renewed conflict.
Original Source: www.enca.com
