Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after mediating a peace agreement between the two nations. Following increasing tensions over Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, Erdogan facilitated diplomatic discussions that led to a resolution. His diplomatic efforts also include mediating the Sudan conflict, showcasing Turkey’s expanding influence in regional affairs.
On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced his forthcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia planned for the first two months of 2025. This visit follows his critical role in mediating an end to a long-standing dispute between the two nations in the Horn of Africa. The peace deal, brokered on December 11 in Ankara, was recognized by Erdogan as a significant diplomatic achievement.
Escalating tensions had plagued Ethiopia and Somalia since January, prompted by Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland—a self-governing region in Somalia. This agreement entailed leasing coastal land for port development and military presence while Somaliland sought formal acknowledgment from Ethiopia. Somalia condemned this arrangement, viewing it as an infringement upon its sovereignty, which heightened fears of potential conflict.
Through rigorous diplomatic engagement, including three rounds of negotiations mediated by Turkey, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud successfully resolved their differences. The resolution was applauded by major international organizations such as the African Union, United States, and European Union, enhancing regional stability.
President Erdogan’s diplomatic initiatives extend beyond the Horn of Africa, as he has also proposed mediating the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has led to catastrophic consequences, including thousands of fatalities and the displacement of over 11 million individuals. The involvement of Turkey in these conflicts indicates its increasing influence in African and Middle Eastern affairs, stepping in to mediate disputes involving significant global and regional players.
The diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have been historically complex, particularly following Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland earlier in 2023. This agreement aimed to facilitate territorial leasing for strategic military and economic purposes but was perceived as a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The involvement of President Erdogan and Turkey’s strategic diplomatic efforts have aimed to stabilize relations in a region of significant geopolitical interest. Furthermore, Erdogan’s mediation extends to crises in Sudan, emphasizing Turkey’s expanding role as a mediator in Africa and the Middle East, particularly amidst regional strife.
In conclusion, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s planned visit to Ethiopia and Somalia underscores a notable achievement in foreign diplomacy through successful mediation. The resolution of a potential conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia illustrates Turkey’s growing influence in the region. Moreover, Erdogan’s interest in mediating Sudan’s internal strife reinforces the narrative of Turkey positioning itself as a crucial player in addressing conflicts in Africa and the Middle East, aligning with broader geopolitical agendas.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
