Horn of Africa Forum Initiates in Djibouti Amidst Ethiopia-Somalia Tensions
The Horn of Africa forum opened in Djibouti with Somali leaders discussing regional stability amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a port deal involving Somaliland. Organized by the Heritage Institute, the forum features around 300 delegates aiming to promote dialogue and solutions for peace, with Somalia expressing concerns over its sovereignty.
A three-day forum aimed at enhancing stability in the Horn of Africa commenced in Djibouti, bringing together Somali scholars, political figures, and community leaders. Organized by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies, the eighth iteration of this annual meeting has attracted nearly 300 delegates, including regional experts. Mursal Saney, the institute’s executive director, emphasized the importance of dialogue and innovative solutions as essential to fostering peace in the region’s complex landscape of tensions, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia over issues surrounding Somaliland.
The forum unfolds against a backdrop of escalating friction between Somalia and Ethiopia, primarily stemming from a recent port deal inked by Addis Ababa with Somaliland. The agreement, which grants Ethiopia a long-term lease on a Red Sea port, is viewed by Mogadishu as an infringement upon its sovereignty, given Somaliland’s unrecognized status as a separate entity from Somalia. Despite Ethiopia’s assertion that the agreement does not violate Somalia’s territorial integrity, the rift intensifies amid fears of rekindled conflict, following unsuccessful Turkish-mediated talks earlier in the year.
At the forum’s opening, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi articulated Somalia’s current aspirations, stating that the nation is eager for peace and stability against the backdrop of its strategic significance and desire for a return to normalcy after years of conflict. Djibouti’s Minister of Justice and Religion, Mumin Hassan Barre, highlighted the crucial role of experts in addressing the region’s challenges, asserting that solutions rest with the people most familiar with the issues at hand. The assembly draws participation from Somali representatives across multiple countries in the region, alongside diaspora members from the US and Europe, reflecting the broad interest in the region’s future.
The Horn of Africa has historically been a region of geopolitical significance, influenced by various historical tensions and territorial disputes. The current discord primarily revolves around the status of Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but remains unrecognized internationally. Tensions have recently heightened following Ethiopia’s signing of a 50-year port lease agreement with Somaliland, perceived by Somalia as a direct threat to its sovereignty. This forum aims to address and alleviate such tensions while promoting dialogue and collaboration among the region’s stakeholders, underscoring the need for collective solutions to ongoing conflicts.
The forum in Djibouti serves as a pivotal platform for addressing the critical issues facing the Horn of Africa, particularly the strains between Ethiopia and Somalia over the Somaliland matter. By convening scholars, officials, and experts, the gathering endeavors to foster a constructive dialogue conducive to regional stability. As tensions remain high, particularly regarding sovereignty concerns, the outcomes of this forum could be instrumental in paving the way for peaceful resolution and collaboration.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
