Horn of Africa Forum Addresses Tensions Between Somalia and Ethiopia in Djibouti
The Horn of Africa forum opened in Djibouti, gathering Somali leaders to discuss regional stability amidst rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial port deal with Somaliland. The forum, organized by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, aims to foster dialogue and collaborative solutions to the escalating conflict, underscoring the importance of the rule of law and regional stability.
On Monday, a significant forum convened in Djibouti, bringing together Somali scholars, politicians, and traditional leaders from across the Horn of Africa to deliberate on regional stability. This is the eighth annual forum, organized by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, a recognized research group based in Mogadishu. Executive Director Mursal Saney expressed that the gathering aims to foster discussions around pressing issues, emphasizing the need for constructive ideas on enhancing stability in the Horn of Africa and reinforcing the rule of law.
Amid the ongoing forum, tensions have escalated between Somalia and Ethiopia due to a recent port agreement signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland, a breakaway region that Somalia claims as its own. This memorandum of understanding pertains to a 50-year lease allowing landlocked Ethiopia access to a Red Sea port, potentially in exchange for Somaliland’s acknowledgment of independence, which has provoked strong reactions from the Somali government. Ethiopia asserts that the agreement does not infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty, a claim that has sparked fears of renewed conflict in the region.
Somalia has never recognized Somaliland’s secession, which occurred in 1991 following the collapse of Siad Barre’s military regime. Recent negotiations mediated by Turkey in July and August have failed to resolve the dispute, increasing the urgency for dialogue and understanding among regional leaders. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi highlighted the necessity for peace and stability, stating that Somalia is keen on embracing international law and order as it emerges from a period of conflict.
Djiboutian Minister of Justice and Religion, Mumin Hassan Barre, stated that the experts present at the forum have a critical role to play in advancing the region’s welfare, asserting, “We see experts that know the region well, and I think the peace, stability and the solution of the region’s problems lie in the hands of its people, including the experts who gathered here.” As the forum continues for three days, representatives from Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and various diaspora communities participate, fostering a platform for collaborative solutions to regional challenges.
The Horn of Africa is a region characterized by complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia, heightened by the issue of Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence. While Somaliland has operated independently since 1991, Somalia’s government has never recognized this status, leading to ongoing disputes regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty. Simultaneously, the strategic significance of this region, marked by international trade routes and geopolitical interests, presents both opportunities and challenges for stability and cooperation among neighboring countries.
The forum in Djibouti represents an essential platform for dialogue among leaders and scholars in the Horn of Africa, particularly in light of rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The discussions aim to address concerns surrounding the recent Ethiopia-Somaliland port agreement while reinforcing the value of regional collaboration and adherence to international law. As the participants engage in dialogue over the next few days, the hope remains that constructive solutions can be found to enhance stability in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
