The African Union has urged Somalia and Ethiopia to swiftly implement a landmark agreement aimed at reducing tensions over Ethiopia’s need for maritime access. Following tensions from an earlier controversial deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, this newly brokered agreement endeavors to facilitate collaboration and mutual prosperity while ensuring Ethiopia’s secure access to the sea. Turkish mediation has played a pivotal role in these discussions, with both nations now tasked with converting this diplomatic progress into actionable solutions.
The African Union (AU) has called upon Somalia and Ethiopia to take urgent measures to implement a significant agreement designed to alleviate tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access. AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat characterized this accord as a pivotal action and urged for immediate efforts to reinforce the resolution of disputes. Tensions surged earlier this year when Ethiopia entered into a contentious pact with Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region of Somalia, allowing it to lease coastal territory for a port and military installation. Amid allegations that this agreement implies Ethiopia’s potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence, the Somali government vehemently opposed it, contending that such recognition would infringe upon its sovereignty.
The recent discussions, facilitated by Turkey, culminated in what was described as a “historic” agreement, announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This agreement seeks to enable Ethiopia, which has been landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, to gain access to the sea. The provisions of the accord, as revealed by Turkey, mandate both nations to amicably resolve existing differences while fostering mutually beneficial economic cooperation. The agreement includes mechanisms for technical dialogues on trade and bilateral initiatives, aimed at ensuring Ethiopia’s “reliable, safe, and sustainable” access to the sea within the framework of Somalia’s sovereign jurisdiction.
Negotiations are scheduled to commence in February and will aim for completion within four months, with Turkey poised to offer mediation assistance if required. However, the exact status of Ethiopia’s separate agreement with Somaliland remains ambiguous, with indications from a source close to Somaliland’s administration suggesting that the new accord does not nullify the previous memorandum of understanding.
Both the AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have lauded this agreement as a momentous stride towards resolving bilateral tensions. IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, commended the accord as a testament to both nations’ dedication to settling disputes amicably. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has reiterated the significance of fostering peace and cooperation in the region, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized Ethiopia’s desire for coastal access without harboring intentions of conflict. This agreement signifies a crucial point in the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, but it continues to pose challenges regarding the clarity of Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland.
The long-standing tension between Somalia and Ethiopia centers primarily around Ethiopia’s ambition to secure access to maritime routes, critical for its trade and economic development as a landlocked nation. The situation intensified with Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland, which not only aimed to establish a military presence but also raised questions regarding Somaliland’s quest for independence. The AU’s call for action comes amidst broader regional dynamics, where mediation efforts from nations like Turkey play a significant role in fostering dialogue and understanding between the conflicting parties.
The African Union’s appeal for immediate implementation of the recent Somalia-Ethiopia accord underscores the urgency of resolving a historically fraught relationship exacerbated by Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions. As Somalia and Ethiopia embark on this diplomatic journey, the effective execution of the agreement will be critical in transforming it into tangible benefits for both nations, particularly as unresolved issues regarding the Somaliland agreement persist. Both nations are now challenged to leverage this newfound cooperation to foster stability and promote regional prosperity.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
