Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after mediating a peace agreement between the nations. This follows tensions arising from Ethiopia’s lease agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia opposed. Erdogan’s diplomatic involvement also extends to Sudan’s ongoing conflict, reflecting Turkey’s increasing influence in the region.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared his intention to travel to Ethiopia and Somalia in the early months of 2025, following his effective mediation in resolving a prolonged dispute between the two nations located in the Horn of Africa. This significant agreement, finalized in Ankara on December 11, was characterized by President Erdogan as a landmark achievement, signifying a breakthrough in the contentious relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The friction between these two countries escalated earlier this year after Ethiopia entered into an accord with Somaliland, a self-governing region of Somalia, to lease a coastal area for port and military purposes. Somaliland sought formal recognition from Ethiopia in return; however, Addis Ababa did not publicly acknowledge this request. Somalia condemned the agreement, viewing it as an infringement on its sovereignty, thereby raising alarms regarding the potential for renewed conflict in the region.
Through extensive diplomatic negotiations, including three rounds of talks under Turkey’s mediation, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud successfully achieved a resolution, putting an end to the standoff. This diplomatic breakthrough has garnered accolades from key international entities, including the African Union, the United States, and the European Union.
Moreover, President Erdogan’s diplomatic footprint is expanding beyond the Horn of Africa. He has also extended Turkey’s mediation services to Sudan, amidst the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese military and the UAE-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has led to a humanitarian crisis, with an alarming death toll and over eleven million individuals displaced. Erdogan’s active intervention in both situations emphasizes Turkey’s rising prominence in African and Middle Eastern diplomatic relations, particularly as it positions itself as a mediator among global and regional powers.
The diplomatic situation in the Horn of Africa is fraught with complexities, particularly between Ethiopia, Somalia, and the breakaway region of Somaliland. The tension escalated when Ethiopia signed a lease agreement with Somaliland for strategic coastal territory, which Somalia interpreted as a breach of its territorial integrity. The ongoing conflict in Sudan further exemplifies the region’s instability and the pressing need for effective mediation, positioning Turkey under President Erdogan as a significant diplomatic actor in African affairs.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia underscores Turkey’s growing role as a mediator in African conflicts. The successful resolution of the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute showcases the potential for diplomatic engagement in the region. Furthermore, Erdogan’s efforts in Sudan highlight Turkey’s commitment to engaging with various nations to foster stability, thereby enhancing its influence on the global stage.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
