Turkiye brokers deal between Somalia and Ethiopia diffusing tensions
By Mwangi Maina |
Erdogan described the agreement as a "historic" milestone, expressing hope that it would mark "the first step toward a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia."
Turkiye brokers deal between Somalia and Ethiopia diffusing and Ethiopia have reached a compromise deal to resolve their long-standing dispute, following their first public meeting together in Ankara, Turkey.
This significant diplomatic breakthrough was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday after hours of talks mediated by Turkey.
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Erdogan described the agreement as a "historic" milestone, expressing hope that it would mark "the first step toward a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia."
The meeting brought together Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, marking their first public engagement since tensions escalated over Ethiopia's controversial agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.
The dispute intensified after Ethiopia signed a deal in January with Somaliland to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland's independence.
Somalia condemned this arrangement as a violation of its sovereignty, raising alarms about the risk of renewed conflict in the already volatile Horn of Africa region.
During the joint press conference, Erdogan emphasised the importance of the agreement for ensuring Ethiopia's access to the sea, which is vital for its economy.
"I believe with the meeting we had today, especially with Ethiopia's demands to access the sea, my brother Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will give the necessary support for accessing the sea," he stated.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated that Ethiopia's pursuit of secure maritime access is intended as a peaceful initiative that would benefit neighboring countries.
"We have addressed the misunderstandings that have occurred over the past year. Ethiopia's desire for secure access to the sea is a peaceful venture and will benefit our neighbors; it should be viewed through the lens of collaboration, not skepticism," he remarked.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh also highlighted the significance of this agreement in halting their differences, stating that Somalia is "ready to work with the Ethiopian leadership and the Ethiopian people."
The leaders agreed to initiate technical discussions by February 2025, aiming to complete them within four months.
These talks will focus on establishing commercial arrangements that ensure Ethiopia's reliable and sustainable access to the sea under Somalia's sovereignty.
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