Ethiopia and Somalia Engage in Talks in Turkey to Address Dispute

Ethiopia and Somalia initiated technical discussions in Turkey to resolve disputes related to Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, with Turkey serving as a mediator. The dialogues arise amidst fears of potential conflict, following Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland regarding coastal land leasing for military purposes.

In Ankara, Turkey, diplomats from Ethiopia and Somalia commenced their first round of technical discussions aimed at addressing an ongoing dispute arising from an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. The meeting was facilitated by Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, reflecting its role as a mediator amid concerns regarding potential conflicts in this fractious region of the Horn of Africa. Tensions have escalated since Ethiopia entered a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland last year, which involved leasing coastal land to set up a marine military base.

The preliminary talks in Turkey signify a critical step toward defusing long-standing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over the contentious Somaliland agreement. As worries about instability persist, Turkey’s mediating role lightens the path for dialogue and resolution in the Horn of Africa, an area already marred by conflict.

Original Source: www.goshennews.com