Turkey to Host Crucial Talks Between Somalia and Ethiopia on…

Turkey is set to host Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed this week to address ongoing disputes related to Ethiopia’s port access. The talks follow tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat. Turkey’s previous involvement aims to establish security measures for Somalia, and recent political changes in Somaliland may alter negotiations. Analysts suggest the outcome may help improve relations in the region.

Turkey is preparing to facilitate discussions between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed this week to address ongoing tensions regarding Ethiopia’s access to port facilities in the Horn of Africa. Reports indicate that President Mohamud will engage directly with Prime Minister Ahmed during his visit, although both the Turkish foreign ministry and the Ethiopian embassy in Ankara refrained from making public comments about the talks.

The backdrop to these discussions includes Ethiopia’s recent naval agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia perceives as a threat to its sovereignty. Somalia has responded by strengthening its naval capabilities through an agreement with Turkey, which aims to bolster its defense against external threats and establish an energy partnership along its coast. Previous attempts at dialogue between the two nations have been facilitated by Turkey, with some progress reported in earlier negotiations.

Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been historically strained, notably marked by Somalia’s threats of military action should the naval deal with Somaliland progress. Recent political changes in Somaliland, including the election of President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, could further influence discussions, as he is reportedly less supportive of Ethiopian expansionist ambitions compared to his predecessor.

Analysts speculate that the imminent meeting between Presidents Mohamud and Ahmed may signal a potential thaw in relations, with hopes that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could play a pivotal role in the resolution of these disputes. Sources have suggested that Somalia may offer Ethiopia access to a port in exchange for the latter’s withdrawal from the agreement with Somaliland.

The context of the imminent talks between Somali and Ethiopian leaders emanates from a complex web of geopolitical interests in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia has sought access to ports along the Somali coast to enhance its trade capabilities, particularly for importing vital goods. However, Somalia has consistently opposed any actions that undermine its territorial integrity, especially regarding Somaliland, which has declared independence but remains unrecognized internationally. Turkey’s involvement is indicative of its broader strategy to strengthen ties within Africa, particularly with nations on the eastern perimeter of the continent, emphasizing security partnerships and economic collaboration.

In summary, the upcoming talks hosted by Turkey between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed represent a critical juncture in resolving long-standing disputes over security and access to maritime routes in the Horn of Africa. The discussions are poised against a backdrop of heightened tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland and the implications it has on Somali sovereignty. The outcome of these talks may influence regional stability and the roles of external powers, particularly Turkey’s strategic engagement in the region.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net