Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved a diplomatic dispute that arose from Ethiopia’s maritime deal with Somaliland. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi confirmed no concessions were made by Somalia, while Ethiopia committed to enhancing bilateral relations. The agreement follows a Turkey-mediated visit to Somalia by an Ethiopian delegation, where both countries agreed to collaborate on peacekeeping efforts and respect each other’s sovereignty.
The tension between Ethiopia and Somalia, which had escalated due to a maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, has reportedly been resolved, according to Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. During a recent address, he asserted that Somalia made no concessions in the process. Ethiopia, while not commenting directly on these claims, has expressed a commitment to bolster bilateral relations with Somalia.
This development follows an Ethiopian delegation’s visit to Mogadishu, facilitated by Turkey’s mediation, which aims to improve relations after months of hostility primarily concerning territorial sovereignty. Ethiopia is known to have thousands of troops in Somalia that were not originally part of the African Union peacekeeping force, leading to questions about their future role following the recent agreements.
The initial discord began when Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as a direct challenge to its sovereignty. In response to Ethiopia’s maneuvers, Somalia had previously considered expelling Ethiopian troops, signaling the intensity of the dispute. In a notable shift, both nations have agreed to recognize each other’s sovereignty under the terms discussed in a joint declaration, which also calls for future technical talks to address outstanding issues.
This reconciliation marks a critical step towards stability in the Horn of Africa, with both countries now focused on fostering mutually beneficial commercial arrangements, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes under Somali oversight. The situation remains fluid as Ethiopia’s stance regarding its maritime agreement with Somaliland is still uncertain, but the dialogue between the two nations represents a hopeful turn in their relations.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been historically complex, marked by episodes of tension and agreements. Recently, the signing of a maritime deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland—a region that has declared independence from Somalia but lacks international recognition—sparked significant discord. Somalia’s assertion of sovereignty ignited fears of broader regional conflicts, particularly as Ethiopia sought to enhance its maritime capabilities. The involvement of Turkey as a mediator is crucial in facilitating dialogue between the countries, showcasing the international interest in stabilizing the Horn of Africa.
In summary, the resolution of the diplomatic conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a pivotal moment in their longstanding relations. The commitment to recognize each other’s sovereignty and engage in future technical discussions indicates a willingness to overcome past grievances and strive for collaborative growth. Despite the uncertainties regarding Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, ongoing dialogue is essential for ensuring peaceful coexistence and regional stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
