Kenya and Uganda to Mediate Growing Ethiopia-Somalia Dispute
Kenya and Uganda will mediate the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, centered on Ethiopia’s port plans in Somaliland amid rising tensions. The conflict threatens regional stability and has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt and Eritrea. Mediation efforts prior have failed to yield resolutions, and both countries seek a secure environment for economic development.
On Saturday, Kenya’s President William Ruto announced that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will mediate the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, which poses a threat to regional stability. The conflict centers around Ethiopia’s plans to construct a port in Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia that has sought international recognition since 1991. Ethiopia has maintained a military presence in Somalia to combat al Qaeda-linked insurgents. Recently, tensions have heightened, leading Somalia closer to Egypt and Eritrea, both of whom hold longstanding grievances against Ethiopia. President Ruto emphasized that the stability of Somalia is crucial for fostering a conducive environment for investment and entrepreneurship in the region. Despite several unsuccessful mediation attempts in Ankara, no resolution has been reached yet, and responses from Ethiopian officials were not immediately available.
The dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia primarily revolves around the effort of Ethiopia to establish a port in Somaliland. Somaliland has enjoyed self-governance and relative stability since declaring independence from Somalia over three decades ago; however, it has not achieved broad international recognition. Ethiopia’s military involvement in Somalia is part of its strategy to combat terrorist factions, yet its actions have sparked diplomatic friction with the Somali government, leading to alignment with other regional adversaries. This instability threatens economic prospects in a region that requires a secure atmosphere for investments and entrepreneurship.
In summary, the mediation efforts by Kenya and Uganda signify an important step toward addressing the tense relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. The proposed port project in Somaliland has complicated diplomatic relations, necessitating external intervention to prevent further instability in the Horn of Africa. The security of Somalia remains paramount, as it directly impacts regional peace and investment opportunities.
Original Source: www.sowetanlive.co.za
