Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi announced that the dispute with Ethiopia has been resolved, emphasizing that no concessions were made by Somalia. Although Ethiopia has not commented on this, both nations have agreed to enhance their bilateral relationships amid ongoing discussions about the future of Ethiopian troops in Somalia and the contentious Somaliland maritime agreement.
The diplomatic rift between Ethiopia and Somalia appears to have reached a resolution, according to Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. He stated, during a televised address, that Somalia had not made any concessions in the discussions. While Ethiopia has refrained from commenting on Somalia’s assertions, it has expressed an intention to “strengthen bilateral relations”. The tension dated back to January when Ethiopia signed a maritime agreement with Somaliland, a region Somalia claims as part of its territory.
A visit by an Ethiopian delegation, led by Defence Minister Aisha Mohammed, marked a significant step toward easing tensions. The discussions mostly centered on the future of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, where thousands of Ethiopian troops are stationed outside the AU force. The two nations agreed to collaborate on this mission, indicating a potential shift in their bilateral relations. Previously, Somalia had threatened to expel Ethiopian troops due to the Somaliland agreement, which included plans for Ethiopia to develop a naval base there.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over three decades ago, has constantly pursued international recognition. The tensions escalated with fears of a larger regional conflict, particularly involving Egypt’s support for Somalia. However, following Turkey’s mediation, the two countries seem to have made progress, agreeing to respect each other’s sovereignty. A joint declaration in December was announced, and technical discussions are expected to resume in February.
Until then, both countries aim to establish mutually beneficial commercial agreements that might allow Ethiopia maritime access under Somalia’s sovereignty. It remains uncertain whether Ethiopia has abandoned its previously signed deal with Somaliland.
The tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have historical roots, primarily stemming from territorial disputes and geopolitical maneuvering in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s signing of a maritime agreement with Somaliland, an area that has been seeking independence from Somalia, escalated the already fraught relations between the two nations. This territorial contention is compounded by external influences, with Egypt supporting Somalia amid fears of an Ethiopian expansionist agenda. Turkish mediation has provided a platform for dialogue, aiming to ease the tensions and promote cooperation between these neighboring states.
In conclusion, the resolution of the diplomatic dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia signifies a potential turning point in their relations. While both sides have expressed intentions to advance cooperation, the nuances of their agreements concerning territorial claims and military presence remain complex. The path forward hinges on successful discussions in February and the establishment of beneficial arrangements that align with both countries’ sovereignty claims. Continued dialogue may foster stability in a region marked by historical upheaval and rivalry.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
