The African Union urges Ethiopia and Somalia to swiftly implement an agreement intended to resolve tensions regarding Ethiopia’s maritime access, following a controversial January deal with Somaliland. The agreement, reached after Turkish mediation, emphasizes cooperation and mutual interests, with the aim of ensuring Ethiopia’s safe access to the sea. Technical discussions are expected to commence soon to address bilateral issues amicably.
The African Union (AU) has called upon Somalia and Ethiopia to promptly implement an agreement designed to alleviate ongoing tensions over Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This call follows Ethiopia’s controversial deal struck in January with Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia. The agreement has been construed by Somalia as a breach of its national sovereignty, leading to concerns regarding potential conflict in the region. Following fruitful talks brokered by Turkey, an accord was reached, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressing optimism about the cooperation fostering Ethiopia’s long-standing desire for maritime access. The regional bloc, IGAD, also endorsed the agreement as a vital step towards peaceful resolution of disputes, underlining the importance of mutual cooperation for regional stability. With technical discussions expected to commence early next year, the leaders have committed to addressing bilateral issues amicably, focusing on achieving community prosperity in the process.
The background of the tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia can be traced back to historical grievances and territorial disputes, exacerbated by Somalia’s ongoing struggle against its breakaway region, Somaliland. Ethiopia’s landlocked status, which limits its access to maritime routes, has fueled its interest in establishing a port in Somaliland. The situation intensified after the January agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which Somalia perceived as a violation of its sovereignty, raising alarms about potential conflict. The involvement of Turkey as a mediator signals international recognition of the need for dialogue in resolving East Africa’s complex geopolitical issues.
In summary, the African Union’s urgent appeal for Somalia and Ethiopia to implement their recent agreement reflects the critical importance of safeguarding regional stability and cooperation. The deal aims to address the longstanding issues surrounding Ethiopia’s access to the sea while fostering bilateral relations and addressing Somalia’s sovereignty concerns. The forthcoming technical talks present an opportunity for both nations to navigate their differences constructively, thereby enhancing the potential for lasting peace and mutual benefits in the region.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
