Turkey has mediated an agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, allowing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, and nullifying the previous deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This new arrangement supports Somalia’s sovereignty while providing alternatives for Ethiopia amidst ongoing regional tensions. The diplomatic efforts aim to stabilize relations and prevent conflict over maritime access and independence claims.
Turkey has successfully mediated an agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, enabling Ethiopia access to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, thus resolving a prolonged dispute that posed the risk of regional instability. The newly established agreement, referred to as the “Ankara Declaration,” supersedes a previous arrangement with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, which aimed to provide Ethiopia a naval base in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence.
This accord ensures Ethiopia’s access to maritime routes without compromising Somalia’s territorial integrity or acknowledging Somaliland’s autonomy. The geopolitical situation for Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, remains complex, especially in light of its earlier proposal to Ethiopia, which involved granting naval access in return for formal recognition as an independent state.
Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Somaliland and Ethiopia in January 2024, tensions escalated when Somalia contested this agreement, asserting that it infringed upon its sovereignty. In response, Somalia expelled both the Ethiopian ambassador and the Ethiopian peacekeeping forces deployed under the African Union. Turkey’s intervention has provided a balanced resolution that secures Ethiopia’s maritime access while reaffirming Somalia’s sovereign authority. Consequently, the January agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland has effectively been rendered null and void, although Somaliland continues to assert its independence and relevant claims.
The mediation effort led by Turkey stems from a critical need to stabilize the volatile relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly concerning access to maritime resources. The region has a history of territorial disputes, particularly involving Somaliland, which has sought recognition from the international community, complicating the sovereignty issues surrounding Somalia. As tensions escalated over Ethiopia’s potential military foothold in Somaliland, Turkey’s diplomatic engagement became essential in fostering dialogue and ensuring regional harmony. The strategic importance of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean routes adds a layer of complexity to the negotiations, highlighting the significance of these waterways for trade and security.
In conclusion, Turkey’s initiative to mediate the agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia marks a significant diplomatic achievement aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over maritime access and sovereignty. The “Ankara Declaration” not only prevents further escalation of conflict but also reaffirms Somalia’s territorial integrity while providing Ethiopia with vital access to the sea. As Somaliland’s aspirations for independence continue to unfold amid these negotiations, the implications of the new deal will undoubtedly shape the region’s geopolitical landscape for years to come.
Original Source: oilprice.com
