Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a significant agreement to resolve their long-standing disputes during talks hosted by Turkey in Ankara. This historic pact, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aims to foster peace and cooperation between the two nations, marking a new chapter in their relations.
Key Takeaways
- Historic Agreement: The deal is seen as a crucial step towards peace in the Horn of Africa.
- Mediation by Turkey: Turkish President Erdogan played a pivotal role in brokering the agreement.
- Focus on Sovereignty: Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Economic Cooperation: The agreement includes provisions for Ethiopia’s access to the sea, enhancing trade opportunities.
Background of the Dispute
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been strained since January 2023, when Ethiopia signed a controversial deal with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, to lease a stretch of coastline. This agreement sparked a diplomatic crisis, with Somalia accusing Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty. The tensions raised concerns about potential conflict in the already volatile Horn of Africa region.
The Ankara Declaration
During the recent talks in Ankara, President Erdogan hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The leaders engaged in extensive discussions, lasting approximately eight hours, which culminated in the signing of the Ankara Declaration. This declaration emphasizes:
- Mutual Respect: Both countries committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
- Cooperation: They agreed to set aside past grievances and work collaboratively towards shared prosperity.
- Technical Negotiations: The parties will initiate technical negotiations by February 2025 to establish mutually beneficial agreements regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea.
International Reactions
The agreement has garnered positive responses from various international actors:
- United Arab Emirates: The UAE welcomed the pact, highlighting its potential to enhance stability and cooperation in the region.
- Norway: Norway expressed gratitude to Turkey for facilitating the talks and emphasized the importance of the agreement for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Future Prospects
The Ankara Declaration is viewed as a promising step towards a more stable and cooperative relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future, with President Mohamud stating that the agreement has "put a halt to their differences" and that Somalia is ready to collaborate with Ethiopia.
As the two nations embark on this new journey, the international community will be watching closely to see how this agreement unfolds and whether it can lead to lasting peace and cooperation in the region. The successful mediation by Turkey also underscores its growing influence in African diplomacy, positioning it as a key player in fostering regional stability.
Sources
- UAE welcomes Türkiye-mediated pact to end Somalia-Ethiopia conflict, Anadolu Ajansı.
- Norway thanks Türkiye for facilitating pact to end Somalia-Ethiopia conflict, Anadolu Ajansı.
- Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin kolaylaştırıcılığıyla Etiyopya ve Somali’nin Ankara Bildirisi | Türkiye Cumhuriyeti | İletişim Başkanlığı, İletişim Başkanlığı.
- Ethiopia, Somalia reach deal ending feud in Turkey-hosted talks, The New Arab.
