Somalia is contemplating allowing Ethiopia access to an Indian Ocean port to address Ethiopia’s need for a direct trade route. Talks are expected to culminate in a framework agreement by June 2025, determining the specifics of the port access. This initiative follows recent efforts to stabilize relations between the two countries amidst past territorial disputes, particularly involving Somaliland.
Somalia is considering granting Ethiopia access to an Indian Ocean port, a pivotal move aimed at resolving the long-standing tensions regarding Ethiopia’s need for a direct maritime trade route. Discussions are ongoing, with both nations aspiring to establish a framework agreement by June 2025, as confirmed by Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar.
Minister Omar stated that the forthcoming framework will outline the specific type of port to be provided, the designated area in the Indian Ocean, and the financial implications of the arrangement. This dialogue follows a meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Mogadishu.
Both Somalia and Ethiopia are motivated to reduce rising tensions, particularly after Ethiopia’s announcement in January 2024 regarding a port agreement with Somaliland. Somaliland has proclaimed its independence since 1991, yet it remains unrecognized internationally, and Somalia asserts sovereignty over the region.
Prime Ministers Abiy and Mohamud reached an agreement in December to resolve their differences by the end of this month, a diplomatic effort facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Additionally, Somalia announced plans for construction of a new port at Hobyo, led by the Turkish firm Metag Holding, anticipated to commence by year-end.
Ethiopia, with a population of over 115 million and recognized as the third-largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, has been landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993. This situation has made Ethiopia reliant on neighboring countries for access to maritime trade routes.
In summary, Somalia’s potential decision to provide Ethiopia access to an Indian Ocean port could significantly enhance regional trade dynamics while easing longstanding tensions between the two nations. The framework agreement currently under negotiation is crucial in establishing the terms of this access and in mitigating past disputes, particularly with regard to the independence aspirations of Somaliland.
Original Source: gcaptain.com
