Erdoğan’s Upcoming Visit to Ethiopia and Somalia Marks Diplomatic Milestone
President Erdoğan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after mediating a deal that resolved nearly a year of tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland. The deal was hailed as historic, emphasizing Türkiye’s role in promoting peace in the Horn of Africa. Erdoğan also proposed to mediate disputes in Sudan, further highlighting Türkiye’s commitment to regional stability.
In early 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is set to embark on an official visit to Ethiopia and Somalia, following the successful negotiation of a peace deal aimed at alleviating prolonged hostilities between the two nations in the Horn of Africa. Erdoğan announced his trip during an event in Erzurum, emphasizing the significance of the agreement reached between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara on December 11. The mutual understanding marks a pivotal step in resolving a conflict that emerged after Ethiopia entered a controversial agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland, securing access to a port and military base while Somalia condemned it as a breach of its sovereignty.
The tensions trace back to January when Ethiopia and Somaliland’s arrangement raised concerns of renewed warfare, prompting Türkiye to mediate. Erdoğan’s prior engagements with both leaders facilitated the resolution discussions, culminating in a breakthrough that has been positively acknowledged by the African Union, as well as the governments of Washington and Brussels. The president noted that Ethiopia’s landlocked status contributes to its geopolitical challenges, underscoring Türkiye’s ongoing investment and support for Somalia at crucial junctures, including counter-terrorism efforts. Erdoğan expressed pride in the Ankara Declaration, portraying it as a declaration of hope for the continent.
Moreover, Erdoğan’s recent diplomatic victories extend to Sudan, where he reached out to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, offering Türkiye’s assistance in mediating conflicts involving Sudan and the UAE. The situation in Sudan, characterized by ongoing violence and humanitarian crises, underscores the complexities of the Horn of Africa’s landscape and the essential role Türkiye is eager to play in promoting stability in the region.
The Horn of Africa, particularly the nations of Ethiopia and Somalia, has a history marred by territorial disputes and sovereignty challenges, particularly regarding Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognized by the Somali government. Tensions escalated significantly after Ethiopia brokered an agreement with Somaliland to develop a strategic port, leading to accusations of breach of sovereignty by Somalia. This situation prompted Türkiye, under Erdoğan’s leadership, to intervene and mediate, showcasing Ankara’s vested interest in promoting regional peace and stability through diplomacy and mutual cooperation.
In conclusion, President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia symbolizes a significant stride toward fostering peace in a historically tumultuous region. The successful mediation efforts reflect Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing diplomatic relations and supporting stability in the Horn of Africa. Erdoğan’s diplomatic initiatives not only seek to resolve existing conflicts but aim to build a cooperative future for the nations involved.
Original Source: www.dailysabah.com
