African Union Urges Swift Implementation of Ethiopia-Somalia Agreement
The African Union called on Somalia and Ethiopia to swiftly implement an agreement aimed at resolving tensions related to Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This initiative follows Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland and aims to establish cooperative measures, with support from international stakeholders, to ensure security and mutual prosperity in the region.
On Thursday, the African Union urged both Somalia and Ethiopia to promptly implement an agreement aimed at alleviating tensions between the two countries regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This call comes in the wake of a controversial deal, forged in January, wherein Ethiopia secured a lease on a coastal area from Somaliland, a self-proclaimed independent region of Somalia. Somaliland proposed to grant Ethiopia formal recognition in exchange for this arrangement; however, this acknowledgment remains unconfirmed by Addis Ababa.
Somalia has denounced this agreement as a violation of its sovereignty, inciting international concerns over the potential for renewed conflict within the volatile region. After protracted negotiations facilitated by Turkey, an “historic” agreement was announced, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressing optimism that it would enable Ethiopia to achieve its long-standing objective of coastal access. Both Ethiopian and Somali leaders participated in these talks following prior rounds that yielded limited results.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud highlighted the mutual interests in fostering cooperation and emphasized the need for prioritizing peace and stability in their region. The African Union’s Commission Chairman, Moussa Faki Mahamat, acknowledged the leaders’ “important act” in reaching a deal while pressing for immediate action in implementing the agreed-upon measures.
The text of the agreement indicates that both parties aim to set aside disagreements and strengthen commercial arrangements that would secure Ethiopia’s “reliable, safe and sustainable access” to the sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty. Furthermore, technical discussions are expected to commence by the end of February and conclude within four months, with any disputes to be resolved through dialogue, potentially with Turkey’s assistance.
In addition to regional leaders, both U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have expressed support for the agreement, with Guterres acknowledging Erdogan’s mediating role. However, it remains unclear how this latest agreement will impact the existing memorandum between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which has not been publicly disclosed. Despite the agreement, Ethiopia’s leadership has repeatedly asserted that it seeks only peaceful means to achieve coastal access.
The African Union’s statement follows a tense period between Somalia and Ethiopia, primarily triggered by Ethiopia’s lease agreement with Somaliland. This situation is compounded by the historical context of Ethiopia being landlocked since Eritrea’s independence. The complexities of regional politics further add to the challenges both nations must navigate to maintain peace and cooperation, especially in light of Ethiopia’s ambitions for access to maritime resources. The recent agreement illustrates a political effort to resolve these tensions amicably with international diplomatic involvement.
In conclusion, the African Union’s appeal for swift implementation of the Ethiopia-Somalia agreement reflects a crucial step toward reducing regional tensions and promoting cooperation. The agreement aims to resolve contentious issues over access to the sea while respecting each nation’s sovereignty. Continued diplomatic efforts will be essential in ensuring stability and fostering relations between these neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
