Turkey has mediated a major agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. This agreement rescinds a previous deal involving Somaliland, which sought to trade naval access for independence recognition from Ethiopia. The situation remains fluid as Somaliland navigates its aspirations amid changing geopolitical dynamics.
Turkey has successfully facilitated a pivotal agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, thereby resolving a protracted dispute that posed a significant risk of regional conflict. This new agreement replaces a prior arrangement involving Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland, which would have allowed Ethiopia to establish a naval base in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. The recent agreement, known as the “Ankara Declaration,” ensures Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes without compromising Somalia’s sovereignty or legitimizing Somaliland’s claims of independence.
The situation regarding Somaliland, a region that has claimed independence since 1991, remains precarious, especially amid regional tensions exacerbated by events such as the conflict between Israel and Gaza, which have drawn in various local agendas, including those of Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Initially, Somaliland had proposed a deal to Ethiopia, offering Red Sea access in return for recognition as an independent state, which was feasible until the emergence of the Ankara Declaration.
In January 2024, Somaliland and Ethiopia formalized their intentions through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance their cooperative efforts regarding Red Sea access. However, the Somali government opposed this MOU, asserting that it impinged upon its sovereignty, which led to Somalia expelling the Ethiopian ambassador and removing Ethiopian African Union peacekeepers. Ultimately, Turkey intervened to broker a resolution that would provide Ethiopia with maritime access while honoring Somalia’s territorial integrity, rendering any previous agreements with Somaliland irrelevant. This development presents a complex challenge for Somaliland, as its aspirations for independence are now further complicated by the unfolding dynamics in the region.
The article discusses the significant geopolitical maneuvering in the Horn of Africa, particularly involving Ethiopia, Somalia, and Somaliland. Historically, Somaliland has sought international recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991. However, its attempts have created tensions, particularly with the Somali central government, which views any move towards legitimizing Somaliland’s independence as a direct threat to its sovereignty. The dispute has been inflamed by Ethiopia’s interest in maritime access, and Turkey’s diplomatic engagement has aimed to balance these interests.
In conclusion, Turkey’s mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia represents a strategic resolution to an escalating regional dispute, providing Ethiopia with necessary access to maritime routes without challenging Somalia’s sovereignty. The Ankara Declaration effectively nullifies the previous agreements with Somaliland and complicates its quest for independence, highlighting the intricate and often contentious nature of diplomacy in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: oilprice.com
