The African Union has urged Ethiopia and Somalia to swiftly implement an agreement aimed at reducing tensions over Ethiopia’s access to the sea. Following a controversial deal that Ethiopia made with Somaliland, Turkey facilitated renewed negotiations that resulted in a commitment to cooperative dialogue and respect for sovereignty. International leaders have expressed support for the agreement, while concerns regarding the Somaliland-Ethiopia relationship linger.
The African Union has called upon Ethiopia and Somalia to promptly execute an agreement aimed at mitigating tensions between the two nations regarding Ethiopia’s access to maritime borders. This development follows Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and is not recognized by the Somali government. Amid growing concerns of renewed conflict over territorial sovereignty, the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to work collaboratively on commercial arrangements that emphasize mutual benefits and peaceful resolutions to disputes.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan facilitated the negotiations, labeling the accord as historic and emphasizing its potential to fulfill Ethiopia’s longstanding desire for sea access. Both Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud acknowledged the necessity of cooperative efforts to achieve regional stability. The African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat commended their leadership and called for immediate action on agreed measures.
The agreement highlights a commitment from both parties to address contentious issues through dialogue and allows for technical discussions to commence by the end of February, aiming for resolution within four months. International figures, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, have expressed their support for the agreement, recognizing the significance of respecting each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite the hopeful undertones of this new agreement, ambiguity remains with regard to the future of Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland. Sources close to the Somaliland government reaffirmed that their understanding with Ethiopia remains unchanged. As Ethiopia continues to assert its need for coastal access without resorting to conflict, Somalia has strengthened its relations with Egypt, complicating the geopolitical dynamic in the region.
The recent tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia stem from Ethiopia’s landlocked status, necessitating access to maritime trade routes. Upon agreeing to a deal with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, Ethiopia faced accusations from Somalia that the agreement violated its sovereignty. The ensuing diplomatic unrest has raised alarms regarding the possibility of renewed hostilities within the often volatile East African region. Effective mediation efforts, particularly through Turkish involvement, have facilitated a framework aimed at reconciliation and cooperation between these two nations.
The African Union’s intervention in the Ethiopia-Somalia negotiations underscores the urgency of addressing regional tensions and fostering stability. While the leaders have committed to dialogue and cooperation, the implications of the existing agreement with Somaliland remain a potential flashpoint. Continued international support may prove crucial in ensuring that the recent accord leads to peaceful relations and sustainable progress for both nations involved.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
