The meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara led to the Ankara Declaration, resolving a port access dispute. After prolonged negotiations, Ethiopia recognized Somalia’s territorial unity while maintaining commercial access to Somali ports. This agreement, mediated by Turkey, reflects evolving regional dynamics and the importance of diplomatic relations amid tensions concerning Somaliland.
A recent meeting in Ankara between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed culminated in a significant agreement brokered by Turkey, after a prolonged period of tension concerning Ethiopia’s access to Somali ports. The discussions, lasting approximately seven hours, addressed Somalia’s demand for Ethiopia to annul the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it had signed with Somaliland earlier in the year, which Somalia perceived as a threat to its territorial integrity. The discussions concluded with the signing of the Ankara Declaration, which recognized Somalia’s territorial unity while allowing Ethiopia commercial access to the Somali coastline.
Turkey has invested significantly in Somalia, establishing a military presence and providing aid since 2011. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a pivotal role in the negotiations, emphasizing their importance and urging swift agreement. A major contention was whether Ethiopia would recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity, which Ethiopia initially resisted but eventually conceded in the final declaration, enabling Ethiopia to maintain access to port facilities without formally recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty.
The geopolitical tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have historically centered around territorial integrity and access to maritime routes. Ethiopia is a landlocked nation, making access to the sea critical for its economic aspirations. Somali concerns about the MoU between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland stem from fears that it could set a precedent for further declarations of independence from Somalia. The Turkish government has aimed to mediate these discussions to stabilize the region, which is vital for its strategic interests and investments in Somalia.
The Ankara Declaration marks a diplomatic milestone, highlighting the complexities of regional politics between Somalia and Ethiopia. It has provided a structured pathway for resolving longstanding territorial disputes while ensuring Ethiopia retains necessary maritime access. Moreover, the deal underscores Turkey’s role as a mediator and reaffirmation of its commitment to supporting Somalia as a strategic partner, reflecting an intricate balance of power within the Horn of Africa. This agreement could further enhance security and economic collaboration between the neighboring nations.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
