The Horn of Africa forum opened in Djibouti to address regional stability amid escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a port deal with Somaliland. Scholars, politicians, and experts gathered to discuss strategies for peace and reaffirm the importance of the rule of law. Somali officials emphasized the need for regional cooperation and dialogues following unsuccessful mediation attempts to resolve the conflict.
A three-day forum aimed at enhancing regional stability in the Horn of Africa commenced in Djibouti on Monday, attracting Somali scholars, politicians, and traditional leaders from various countries. This annual event, now in its eighth iteration, is organized by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies based in Mogadishu. Mursal Saney, the executive director of the institute, emphasized the forum’s role in facilitating discussions on regional concerns and promoting constructive solutions to strengthen stability and uphold the rule of law.
The forum is particularly significant this year due to escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia arising from a port deal Ethiopia signed with Somaliland in January. Somalia perceives Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory and has criticized the agreement as undermining its sovereignty. The memorandum grants Ethiopia a 50-year lease on a Red Sea port, sparking fears of renewed conflict in the region.
Somalia has persistently rejected Somaliland’s independence, declared in 1991, and no international recognition has been granted to Somaliland as a separate entity. Following unsuccessful talks mediated by Turkey in July and August, Somalia has called for Ethiopia to retract its agreement with Somaliland. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi noted at the forum’s outset that the country is eager for peace and regional stability, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law.
Meanwhile, Djibouti’s Minister of Justice and Religion, Mumin Hassan Barre, encouraged participating experts to contribute positively to the region’s challenges, asserting that peace and stability must be derived from the people of the region. Delegates from Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the diaspora communities participated in the event.
The Horn of Africa is experiencing significant geopolitical tensions, particularly between Somalia and Ethiopia, due to Somalia’s non-recognition of Somaliland’s independence and implications of the port deal signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This context necessitates discussions on regional stability, conflict resolution, and the enforcement of the rule of law among nations sharing historical and political complexities. The region’s strategic importance and Somalia’s recent conflict history underscore the urgency for collaborative peace efforts, making forums like this critically important for fostering dialogue and understanding among stakeholders.
In conclusion, the Horn of Africa forum in Djibouti serves as a crucial platform for discussing pressing regional issues amid rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. With significant participation from diverse stakeholders, the event aims to foster dialogue on stability and rule of law, crucial for addressing the fears of renewed conflict in the region. The commitment from both governmental and civil representatives highlights a collective aspiration for peace and cooperative solutions to longstanding disputes.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
