Ethiopia and Somalia have signed the Ankara Declaration, enabling Ethiopia to secure sea access through Somali territory while affirming Somalia’s sovereignty. This agreement, mediated by Turkey, promotes mutual respect and economic collaboration, providing Ethiopia with vital maritime access, which has been a longstanding issue since Eritrea’s secession. Technical negotiations are expected to begin soon, aiming for a final agreement within four months.
Ethiopia has reached a significant agreement with Somalia, named the Ankara Declaration, which provides Ethiopia with access to the sea through Somali territory. This accord was brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a meeting in Ankara between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Both leaders emphasized their dedication to respecting each nation’s sovereignty and working toward shared prosperity by resolving past disputes.
Crucially, the agreement acknowledges Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia to develop reliable maritime access, which is vital for the landlocked nation, particularly following its loss of direct sea access after Eritrea’s secession in the 1990s. This arrangement is expected to diversify Ethiopia’s trade routes beyond its reliance on Djibouti. The respective nations have expressed intentions to establish mutually beneficial commercial arrangements that will enhance Ethiopia’s economic capabilities in return for Somalia’s recognition of this access.
Preparatory discussions to finalize the agreement’s details are anticipated to commence by the end of February, under Turkey’s continued mediation. This development comes amid broader regional tensions, including a defense pact between Egypt and Somalia, which could challenge Ethiopia’s influence.
This article discusses a pivotal agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia aimed at addressing Ethiopia’s longstanding issue of access to maritime routes. Since losing access to the sea due to Eritrea’s independence, Ethiopia has sought alternative pathways for trade, heavily relying on Djibouti. The Ankara Declaration represents not only a resolution to this access issue but also a collaborative step towards peace and mutual respect between two neighboring nations. The geopolitical context includes external influences from Egypt, which opposes Ethiopia’s growing presence in the region largely due to ongoing disputes over Nile water rights.
The Ankara Declaration exemplifies a critical step towards establishing peace and cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia. This landmark agreement underscores the importance of mutual respect for sovereignty, paving the way for enhanced economic opportunities for Ethiopia while recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity. Turkey’s role as a mediator not only fosters diplomacy in the Horn of Africa but also highlights its commitment to resolving regional disputes. The anticipation of future negotiations adds a layer of optimism towards stabilizing dynamics in a historically tumultuous area.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
