The African Union has called for the swift implementation of an agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at resolving tensions over Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This accord, reached through Turkish mediation, follows earlier disputes related to a deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. Concerns about sovereignty and potential conflict loom, with both nations acknowledging the need for cooperation and dialogue for peace in the region.
The African Union has called upon Somalia and Ethiopia to promptly implement a recent agreement aimed at reducing tensions between the two nations regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea. The proposal emerged after Ethiopia secured a deal in January with Somaliland, an autonomous region in Somalia, to lease a coastal area for establishing a port and military base. This agreement has raised concerns in Somalia, which perceives it as a breach of its sovereignty, escalating fears of potential conflict in the region.
Following Turkish-mediated discussions, a significant agreement was announced between the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized the necessity for cooperation for mutual benefit, reinforcing the importance of peace and stability for their people’s welfare. AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat heralded the leaders’ diplomatic efforts while stressing the immediate need to operationalize the agreed measures. Notably, the details of the agreement’s implementation remain undisclosed, despite previous engagements intended to ease historical disputes.
Ethiopia, a landlocked nation since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has faced challenges in accessing maritime routes necessary for trade and military purposes. In January 2023, Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, aimed to facilitate such access. This move, however, was met with strong opposition from Somalia, prompting concerns from international observers about rising tensions and potential conflict in East Africa. The recent agreement, brokered in Turkey, is seen as a crucial step toward resolving underlying disputes between Somalia and Ethiopia, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation for sustainable solutions.
In summary, the African Union has urged Ethiopia and Somalia to swiftly execute their recently signed agreement to mitigate rising tensions over maritime access concerns. Despite historical disputes, the call for cooperation underscores the necessity of peace in the region. As talks progress, the focus remains on ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the sea within the framework of Somalia’s sovereignty, with regional and international observers closely monitoring developments.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
