Ethiopia and Somalia Reach Agreement to Alleviate Tensions Through…

Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to ease tensions related to a deal permitting Ethiopia to build a military base in Somaliland in exchange for an investment in its airline. Brokered by Turkey, the leaders aim to initiate negotiations to address contentious issues and foster cooperation. The agreement marks a potential shift towards improved relations between the neighboring nations amid broader geopolitical dynamics.

Ethiopia and Somalia have reached an agreement to collaborate in resolving their differences over a contentious deal concerning a military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland and an investment in its national airline. Announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the accord was established between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The accord aims to ease tensions that arose following a previous agreement whereby Somaliland permitted Ethiopia to build a military base along its coast in exchange for an equity stake in Ethiopian Airlines, a deal Somalia opposed as a violation of its territorial integrity.

The initiative for mediation began in August and coincides with Turkey’s strategic efforts to enhance its influence in Africa, particularly in terms of energy security. The recently signed “Ankara Declaration” focuses on fostering cooperation and initiating technical negotiations to resolve disputes by early 2025. Observers note that the mere occurrence of the meeting between the two leaders represents a significant step forward, and one noteworthy outcome might be the continued presence of Ethiopian troops within the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia, which is currently combating an Islamist insurgency.

While the situation remains complex—with Somalia previously voicing objections to the military establishment by Ethiopia—the leaders have indicated a commitment to “forgo and leave behind differences and contentious issues,” paving a possible path toward further dialogue and cooperation. As negotiations continue with Turkey’s involvement, Somalia has requested the exclusion of Ethiopian troops from the restructured peacekeeping mission due in 2025. Such developments signal ongoing efforts to stabilize regional relations amid an evolving geopolitical landscape.

The agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia arises from a longstanding historical context marked by territorial disputes, particularly over the status of Somaliland. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has not obtained international recognition as a sovereign state, leading to regional tensions. The deal in question stems from a prior accord allowing Ethiopia to establish military facilities on Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for an investment in Ethiopian Airlines. Turkey’s mediation reflects its broader strategy to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with African nations, highlighting the international dimension of the conflict.

In summary, Ethiopia and Somalia’s commitment to resolve their differences through the Turkey-brokered agreement demonstrates a willingness to collaborate despite past tensions. The mediation signifies a new phase in their relations, focusing on mutual interests rather than territorial disputes. As technical negotiations are set to commence, the involvement of Ethiopian troops in ongoing peacekeeping efforts in Somalia remains an important consideration as regional stability continues to evolve.

Original Source: financialpost.com