Erdogan’s Diplomatic Mission: Visiting Ethiopia and Somalia After Peace Deal
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia early 2025 after facilitating an agreement to resolve tensions between the two nations. The breakthrough comes after Erdogan mediated discussions concerning a controversial deal involving Ethiopia and Somaliland, perceived as a threat to Somali sovereignty. Additionally, Erdogan expressed willingness to mediate ongoing conflicts in Sudan.
In early 2025, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is scheduled to visit Ethiopia and Somalia following his successful mediation in a long-standing dispute between the two nations. Erdogan announced his visit via a post on X, confirming plans to arrive in the region during the initial months of the New Year. The agreement that facilitated this diplomatic progress was reached during talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on December 11, conveyed Erdogan as a pivotal moment in their relationship.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated in January, initiated by Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland to lease a coastal area intended for a port and military base. This agreement provoked Somalia, which views Somaliland’s independence—declared in 1991 but unrecognized by the global community—as a breach of its sovereignty, raising concerns about potential conflict in the Horn of Africa. Turkey initiated mediation efforts in July, which included three rounds of discussions before achieving this recent agreement, lauded by both the African Union and international stakeholders such as the United States and the European Union.
In addition to the breakthrough in the Horn of Africa, Erdogan recently engaged with Sudan’s army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, extending an offer to mediate disputes between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. The context for this involvement is marked by a severe conflict in Sudan between Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, which has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement.
This diplomatic engagement signifies Turkey’s growing influence in the region, showcasing President Erdogan’s commitment to peace and resolution in Africa, which appears to resonate positively with various international and local leaders.
The situation in the Horn of Africa, particularly between Ethiopia, Somalia, and Somaliland, has been fraught with tension due to historical grievances over territorial sovereignty and recognition. Somaliland’s self-declared independence from Somalia in 1991 has remained a contentious issue affecting regional dynamics. The recent agreement, brokered by Turkey, seeks to establish a more stable relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, thereby alleviating fears of renewed conflict. Additionally, ongoing unrest in Sudan illustrates the broader challenges facing the region, highlighting the necessity for diplomatic interventions.
In summary, President Erdogan’s forthcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a constructive initiative to mend relationships and foster stability in the Horn of Africa. The resolution of the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia presents a potential shift towards improved diplomatic ties, while Turkey’s involvement in Sudan indicates a broader strategy to engage and mediate in significant regional conflicts. This development not only has implications for the Horn of Africa but also underscores Turkey’s assertive role in African geopolitics.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
