Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are set to meet in Ankara to address disputes over Somaliland. This meeting follows a contentious agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland deemed illegal by Somalia. The discussions highlight ongoing tensions and previous failed mediation efforts, raising fears of conflict in the Horn of Africa.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara, Turkey, as confirmed by Somali officials. The meeting, expected to occur on Wednesday, comes at Ethiopia’s request and follows a contentious maritime agreement between Ethiopia and the self-declared republic of Somaliland. This agreement, signed at the beginning of the year, has been deemed illegal by the Somali government, which asserts that Somaliland is part of its territory. Should the meeting transpire, it will be the leaders’ first discussion since disputes began regarding this issue.
The Somali president’s visit to Turkey is at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, although Ethiopian officials have yet to confirm their participation in the impending talks. Somalia has previously expressed its expectation for the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops by the end of the month, coinciding with the expiration of an African Union mandate. Earlier mediation attempts between the two countries have faltered, raising concerns of renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa if the tensions remain unresolved.
The article pertains to the growing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia resulting from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland—a self-governing territory that declared independence in 1991 but lacks international recognition. Somali leaders view this agreement as a direct infringement on their sovereignty, as they consider Somaliland an integral part of Somalia. The situation has been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s military presence and the expiration of the African Union Transition Mission, which adds urgency to the leaders’ discussions in Ankara. Historical efforts to mediate between the two nations have not yielded resolutions, heightening fears of escalating conflict in the region. In the context of regional dynamics, countries such as Djibouti, Mauritania, and Kenya have also attempted to facilitate dialogue, though with limited success.
In conclusion, the forthcoming meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signifies an important opportunity to address ongoing disputes related to Somaliland. The historical context of the tensions reveals a complex relationship that has yet to resolve the legality of Ethiopia’s agreements or Somalia’s claims over its territories. As both nations navigate this delicate balance, the international community remains watchful of their discussions, aspiring for a peaceful resolution that could avert potential conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
