Ethiopia Unresponsive to Djibouti’s Proposal for Somali Tensions Alleviation
Ethiopia has not yet responded to Djibouti’s proposal to ease tensions with Somalia by offering access to Tojarah port. Djibouti aims to facilitate commercial cooperation while Somalia emphasizes its desire to avoid military presence by Ethiopia. Turkey’s mediation efforts have yet to yield results due to Somalia’s demands.
Ethiopia has not responded to Djibouti’s recent proposal aimed at alleviating tensions between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, despite the backing of several international stakeholders. Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, indicated last month that Djibouti is prepared to assist in resolving the dispute over sea access, proposing the donation of Tojarah port, which would be jointly administered by both nations. Minister Youssouf remarked in an interview with Voice of America that Djibouti remains awaiting a response from Ethiopia regarding the offer, reiterating the significance of the port as an alternative for landlocked Ethiopia, which has been engaged in negotiations with many regional actors for maritime access. Ethiopia relies heavily on neighboring countries for trade routes, especially through Somalia, and has recently formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, a semi-autonomous region of Somalia, to facilitate access to the sea. “The proposal remains on the table. We aim to reduce tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia by offering a northern port for commercial use,” Youssouf stated. He went on to highlight that acceptance of this proposal could enhance economic cooperation between the two nations. Somalia, however, has asserted its unwillingness to permit any military presence within its boundaries, while expressing openness to commercial agreements with Ethiopia. Mohamoud Ali Youssouf emphasized, “If Ethiopia wants commercial access, we are open to that. But there will be no naval base.” Efforts to mediate the situation have included attempts by Turkey, which planned meetings between the involved parties last month; however, the discussions were canceled following Somalia’s insistence that Ethiopia withdraw from its agreement with Somaliland before any negotiations could proceed.
This article addresses the ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia concerning maritime access, as Ethiopia is a landlocked nation reliant on neighboring countries for its trade. Djibouti has offered a solution to this problem through the proposed donation of Tojarah port, which they believe could enhance commercial relations and reduce regional tensions. The political dynamics within Somalia, particularly its stance against foreign military presence, and its treatment of Somaliland’s status, further complicate the negotiations. The involvement of other nations, such as Turkey, attempting to mediate the situation indicates the international interest in stabilizing the region and promoting cooperation among its states.
In summary, the silence of Ethiopia on Djibouti’s proposal highlights the complex interplay of regional politics and the ongoing disputes over maritime access. Djibouti’s offer of Tojarah port presents a potential pathway to alleviate tensions and promote economic collaboration. However, Somalia’s firm stance against military arrangements and the involvement of international mediators add layers of complexity to the resolution of these issues. Ultimately, the outcome of these negotiations will significantly influence the political and economic landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
