Kenya and Uganda will mediate between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s port construction plans in Somaliland, impacting regional stability. President Ruto emphasized Somalia’s security is vital for regional stability. Previous mediation attempts have failed, but optimism remains for the current efforts led by Turkey.
On Saturday, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni would engage in mediation efforts between Ethiopia and Somalia amid an escalating dispute that poses a threat to stability in the Horn of Africa. The tension has arisen over Ethiopia’s initiative to construct a port in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, a move that has irked the Somali government. Ethiopia maintains a significant military presence in Somalia to combat al-Qaeda-affiliated militants and is seeking potential recognition for Somaliland in exchange for the port.
Somaliland, which has operated independently since 1991 and has experienced relative peace, is still vying for international acknowledgment. The conflict has further complicated regional dynamics, drawing Somalia closer to Egypt, which has longstanding grievances against Ethiopia regarding the construction of a large hydro dam on the Nile River. “The security of Somalia contributes significantly to the stability of our region,” President Ruto remarked at a summit attended by regional leaders.
Despite previous mediation attempts in Ankara failing to yield results, Somalia’s foreign minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, expressed optimism that Turkey’s ongoing diplomacy might succeed where others have not. The Somali presidency issued a statement about the meeting between their leader and the Kenyan and Ugandan presidents, although it did not explicitly mention the mediation initiative. The Ethiopian government has not publicly commented on these developments.
The Horn of Africa has long been a region marked by political tensions and security challenges, particularly involving Ethiopia and Somalia. Ethiopia’s involvement in Somalia primarily revolves around combating terrorist threats from al-Qaeda-linked groups. The strategic interests of neighboring countries, such as Kenya and Uganda, are also impacted by the stability of the Horn, prompting their involvement in diplomatic efforts. Somaliland’s quest for recognition underscores deeper regional issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The dam dispute between Ethiopia and Egypt further complicates relations in the region, highlighting shared water resources as a contentious topic.
In conclusion, the mediation efforts by Kenya and Uganda in the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute signify an important step towards addressing regional instability in the Horn of Africa. The tensions surrounding Somaliland’s potential port development and Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia highlight significant geopolitical challenges. As international actors like Turkey continue to engage in the mediation process, the hope remains that a lasting resolution can be achieved, fostering peace and stability for all parties involved.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
