Kenya and Uganda to Mediate Dispute Between Ethiopia and Somalia

Kenya and Uganda will mediate the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, driven by Ethiopia’s port plans in Somaliland, raising regional stability concerns. This initiative underscores the importance of security for Somalia’s socio-economic environment, with previous mediation efforts yielding limited results and Somalia now leaning closer to its traditional adversaries, Egypt and Eritrea.

In a significant diplomatic effort, Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni have pledged to mediate in a dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia that poses risks to the stability of the Horn of Africa. The conflict has arisen from Ethiopia’s plans to develop a port in Somaliland, a region seeking recognition as an independent state. This initiative has further complicated the relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, leading to Somalia’s closer ties with Egypt and Eritrea, adversaries of Ethiopia.

Ruto emphasized the importance of Somali security for regional stability during a press conference, indicating that the successful mediation could create a favorable environment for business and investment. While Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in discussions with Ruto and Museveni at a summit, the prospects for successful mediation remain uncertain given past unsuccessful resolutions in Ankara, Turkey. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s foreign minister, expressed possibilities for meaningful outcomes from Turkish mediation efforts, although Ethiopia’s response to these developments was not immediately available.

The ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia revolves around the plans for a port development in Somaliland. Somaliland, which claimed independence in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized, has established relative stability, prompting Ethiopia’s interest in breaking ground for the port. The involvement of Kenya and Uganda as mediators indicates a broader regional concern about potential destabilization due to these ongoing tensions. Historical grievances over water resources, particularly the Nile River dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia, further complicate the landscape, as Somalia has increasingly aligned itself with Egypt and Eritrea.

The mediation initiative led by Kenya and Uganda aims to address the burgeoning conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia, stemming from the contentious plans for port construction in Somaliland. The outcome of these diplomatic efforts could significantly influence the stability of the Horn of Africa, as the region grapples with underlying tensions and the geopolitical ramifications of water resource disputes. Continued interactions and negotiations will be crucial in the quest for a sustainable resolution and peace in the affected areas.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com