Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met in Ankara to resolve a crucial dispute over Ethiopia’s MoU with Somaliland. Following extensive negotiations mediated by Turkey, they reached the Ankara Declaration, recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia commercial access to Somali coastlines. This agreement reflects both nations’ interests and Turkey’s significant role in fostering diplomatic relations in the region.
In a significant diplomatic move, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed convened in Ankara with high expectations from their Turkish hosts. Turkey has been mediating the long-standing sea port crisis between Somalia and Ethiopia, focusing primarily on Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as a threat to its territorial integrity. Following extensive negotiations, a resolution was reached, known as the Ankara Declaration, wherein both sides made critical commitments to recognize and respect each other’s territories while enhancing economic ties.
The negotiations unfolded over several hours with active participation from Turkish officials. A primary contention for Somalia was Ethiopia’s need to affirm its recognition of Somalia’s territorial unity, which required the cancellation of its MoU with Somaliland. Despite initial resistance, a compromise was formulated, allowing Ethiopia commercial access to the Somali coastline while reaffirming Somalia’s sovereignty. The declaration establishes a pathway for future collaborative dialogues facilitated by Turkey.
The backdrop of these negotiations includes Somalia’s recent strategic partnerships, particularly a naval and energy agreement with Turkey, enhancing its security capabilities. Analysts suggest Ethiopia’s concessions were influenced by international diplomatic pressures, particularly from the United States, concerned with maintaining stability in the region amid increasing militancy threats. Additionally, the shift in Somaliland’s political leadership introduced new dynamics to these negotiations, complicating the relationship further.
Ultimately, both leaders and their nations emerged with significant diplomatic gains through the Ankara Declaration, establishing a framework for cooperation that addresses both territorial concerns and economic access—a notable achievement that reflects a collaborative resolution to a longstanding issue.
The Turkey-backed negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia center around a contentious memorandum of understanding (MoU) that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland, aiming to enhance its access to maritime resources. This agreement has been a source of escalating tensions between Somalia and its northern region, with Somalia asserting its territorial integrity while Ethiopia seeks legitimate access to the sea as a landlocked nation. Turkey, an active mediator in this situation, has invested significantly in Somalia, exemplified by extensive military and humanitarian assistance as well as diplomatic support, thereby positioning itself as a crucial player in regional stability efforts.
The Ankara Declaration serves as a pivotal step in resolving the lengthy disputes over territorial integrity and economic access between Somalia and Ethiopia. By acknowledging Somalia’s unity while facilitating Ethiopian access to the Somali coastline, both nations have laid the groundwork for enhanced cooperation and regional stability. This diplomatic success highlights Turkey’s strategic role as a mediator in the Horn of Africa, promoting peace and collaboration in a complex geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
