Kenya and Uganda will mediate the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, which risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa. The conflict centers around Ethiopia’s plan to build a port in Somaliland, attracting Somalia’s ire. The ongoing tensions have led Somalia to strengthen ties with Egypt. Past mediation attempts in Turkey have failed, yet there remains hope for progress through this new initiative.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Saturday that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will take initiative to mediate the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia. This conflict presents a significant risk of destabilizing the Horn of Africa, particularly as Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia is primarily aimed at combating al-Qaeda-affiliated groups. The tensions have escalated over Ethiopia’s plans to construct a port in Somaliland, which has sought greater independence since declaring itself autonomous in 1991, despite lacking widespread international recognition.
The proposed port deal could lead Somaliland closer to achieving independence from Somalia. As a result of the conflict, Somalia has strengthened its ties with Egypt, which has long-standing grievances against Ethiopia regarding the construction of a large hydroelectric dam on the Nile River. President Ruto emphasized the importance of Somalia’s security for regional stability and economic prosperity during a regional summit press conference, noting the need for collaboration to create a conducive environment for investment.
Efforts to resolve this dispute in the past, particularly mediated in Ankara, Turkey, have yielded little success. Following a meeting with Presidents Ruto and Museveni, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud did not explicitly reference mediation discussions, but optimism remains regarding continued initiatives. Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, expressed skepticism towards previous attempts by regional leaders but remains hopeful for progress through Turkey’s mediation efforts. Requests for comments from Ethiopian officials were not immediately responded to.
The interpersonal dynamics in the Horn of Africa have a long and complex history, with Somalia’s relationship with Ethiopia being particularly tense. Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with military interests in Somalia targeting extremist groups, is engaged in a dispute regarding its plans to develop economic infrastructure in the contested region of Somaliland. Somalia has sought international support for its territorial claims while simultaneously looking to strengthen alliances, notably with Egypt, which directly competes with Ethiopia over Nile water resources. Understanding these geopolitical tensions is crucial for navigating the mediation efforts between the involved parties.
In summary, the announced mediation by Kenya and Uganda could play a vital role in addressing the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, which has far-reaching implications for the stability of the Horn of Africa. The tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s port construction in Somaliland may serve as a catalyst for broader regional alignments, as seen with Somalia’s emerging connections to Egypt. It remains to be seen whether these mediation efforts will produce tangible results, especially in light of past unsuccessful interventions.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
