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Ethiopia Prime Minister calls for dialogue with Somalia over controversial port deal

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Photo: X/Abiy Ahmed

By Abdirahman Khalif | Thursday, July 4, 2024

Abiy expressed readiness to hold talks with the Somali government to end the misunderstanding.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia addressed parliament on Thursday, accusing the Somali government of tarnishing Ethiopia's global reputation. He stressed that the ongoing dispute between the two nations could be resolved through direct dialogue.

"There is no conflict between the Ethiopian government and Somalia, yet Somalia chooses to go around accusing us," said Abiy. He added that the issue could be settled within an hour of discussion between the two countries.

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"It is unnecessary to spend money travelling to other countries to accuse us when it is possible to come to us in Addis Ababa," he said.

Abiy expressed readiness to hold talks with the Somali government to end the misunderstanding. He highlighted Ethiopia's neighbour-centered and friendly foreign policy, noting that many Somali people and clans live in Ethiopia. He emphasised Ethiopia's commitment to peace in Somalia and respect for the Somali people.

"We have sacrificed for peace in Somalia, and the ruling party shows its respect to Somalia and its people more than any other government," he stated.

Abiy also addressed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Somaliland on January 1, 2024. He mentioned that Ethiopia had asked all neighbouring countries, including Somalia, for access to a port, but received no responses.

"We had tabled the question to all our neighbours and received no response. We begged and asked all, not because we have questions about Somalia's unity," he noted.

Turkey has been the mediator in facilitating discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the contentious port agreement with Somaliland.

On Monday, Turkey announced that its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan, invited Ethiopia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Taye Atske Selassie, and Somalia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, to Ankara for talks.

In the discussions, Somalia's delegation remained firm in refusing to negotiate the disputed maritime agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

Somalia insisted that Ethiopia withdraw from the agreement before engaging in dialogue. Through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somalia expressed gratitude to Turkey for its role in promoting stability in the Horn of Africa.

"The government expresses its gratitude to the brotherly nation of Turkey for their positive role in contributing to the stability of the Horn of Africa," read a statement from Somalia.

The joint statement from Turkey reiterated the commitment of the two countries to meet again on September 2, 2024, in Ankara for further discussions.

The agreement with Somaliland provides Ethiopia with an alternative route for trade and logistics. However, Somalia views the agreement as a challenge to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.