Urgent Call for Implementation of Ethiopia-Somalia Agreement Amid Tensions
The African Union has urged Ethiopia and Somalia to swiftly implement an agreement aimed at easing tensions over Ethiopia’s maritime access. This follows Ethiopia’s controversial deal with Somaliland for leasing coastal territory. A Turkish-brokered accord highlights cooperation for peace but raises concerns regarding sovereignty and ongoing disputes between the countries.
In an urgent appeal, the African Union has called upon Ethiopia and Somalia to promptly execute an agreement aimed at alleviating tensions resulting from Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access. The ongoing discord stemmed from Ethiopia’s January accord with the self-declared independent territory of Somaliland to lease a coastal area for port and military purposes. Somaliland’s assertion of formal recognition by Ethiopia has yet to be verified, leading Somalia to perceive this arrangement as an infringement of its sovereignty, thus raising international concerns about potential conflict in the region.
Following extensive negotiations facilitated by Turkey, an announcement of a significant agreement emerged, proclaimed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as pivotal in enabling Ethiopia to achieve its long-awaited access to the sea. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened in Ankara, where Mohamud highlighted the shared objectives of both nations to foster collaboration for regional peace and stability. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the African Union Commission Chairman, emphasized the necessity for immediate implementation of the measures adopted in their discussions.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African regional organization, endorsed the agreement as a constructive move towards amicable resolution of bilateral tensions. The accord entails a commitment by both parties to prioritize cooperation, overcoming past disputes while securing Ethiopia’s access to the sea under Somalia’s sovereign jurisdiction. Further technical discussions are scheduled to take place by the end of February, aiming for completion within four months, facilitated by dialogue and potentially Turkey’s support.
Statements from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed optimism regarding future negotiations to solidify the agreement. Blinken reaffirmed the respect for each nation’s sovereignty, while Guterres conveyed gratitude to Turkey for its mediating role. However, uncertainties remain regarding the implications for the existing memorandum of understanding between Somaliland and Ethiopia, which persists in the backdrop. Despite Ethiopia’s insistence on its need for coastal access, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signaled a preference for avoiding war over this issue, especially amidst Somalia’s strengthening of ties with Egypt and expulsion of Ethiopian officials earlier this year.
The geopolitical landscape between Somalia and Ethiopia has been fraught with tension, particularly following Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland, a region that proclaimed independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacks international recognition. This arrangement for Somaliland to lease coastal areas for Ethiopian utilization has incited significant concern within Somalia, which views the agreement as a direct threat to its territorial integrity. As both nations navigate through these complex dynamics, the African Union’s intervention highlights the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions in a region where stability is paramount.
In conclusion, the African Union’s call for prompt implementation of the Ethiopia-Somalia agreement underscores the seriousness of the ongoing tensions related to maritime access. While both nations express a commitment to cooperation for regional peace, critical apprehensions regarding sovereignty and unresolved bilateral issues linger. The outcome of forthcoming technical discussions will be crucial in determining the trajectory of relations and stability within the East African region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
