President Erdoğan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after brokering a significant deal to resolve tensions between the two nations. This agreement follows months of disputes rooted in contested territorial agreements involving Somaliland. Erdoğan’s mediation efforts exemplify Türkiye’s growing role in African diplomacy, aimed at fostering stability and cooperation in the region.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025, following a significant diplomatic agreement that aims to resolve ongoing tensions in the Horn of Africa. During an event in Erzurum, Erdoğan announced his travel plans, which stem from a deal brokered by Türkiye between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara on December 11. The agreement marks a turning point in relations, ending a contentious dispute that began in January 2023.
The discord originated when Ethiopia agreed to a controversial deal with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. This agreement involved leasing coastal territory for a port and military base, ultimately prompting Somalia to raise concerns over national sovereignty. Türkiye intervened in July to mediate the situation through several rounds of discussions, culminating in last week’s successful negotiations which garnered international support.
Erdoğan highlighted the long-standing complexities between Ethiopia and Somalia, remarking, “This problem between Somalia and Ethiopia has been going on for many years.” He stressed that Türkiye’s proactive approach and strong relationships with both nations enabled productive mediation efforts. Additionally, Erdoğan noted Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Somalia during its turbulent times, reinforcing their economic and defense cooperation with Ethiopia, and signaled an optimistic outlook for future African relations.
This diplomatic milestone not only signifies stabilized relations between Ethiopia and Somalia, but it also represents Türkiye’s growing influence in African politics. Erdoğan’s strategy extends beyond these nations, as evidenced by a recent offer to mediate disputes involving Sudan and the UAE. Such outreach underscores Türkiye’s commitment to peace and stability in the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape of Africa.
The Horn of Africa has historically been a region characterized by ethnic tensions and complex political dynamics, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia. The ongoing feud intensified following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, raising significant sovereignty concerns for Somalia. Türkiye has positioned itself as a key mediator, building relationships with both countries and facilitating discussions aimed at resolving disputes. This diplomatic intervention not only reflects Türkiye’s foreign policy objectives in Africa but also highlights the strategic and historical ties shared among these nations.
In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s planned visit to Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a vital step toward diplomatic reconciliation in the Horn of Africa. Following Türkiye’s successful mediation, the potential for enhanced cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia presents opportunities for regional stability and economic development. Erdoğan’s commitment to African nations highlights Türkiye’s emergence as an influential player in international diplomacy, reinforcing the necessity for collaborative efforts to address longstanding disputes.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
