The African Union welcomed a recent agreement between Ethiopian and Somali leaders regarding the Somaliland dispute following Turkish-mediated negotiations. This agreement aims to address tensions over Somaliland’s independence claims, with both countries committing to mutual respect and cooperation. The AU Chairperson praised the leaders’ responsibility and urged the timely implementation of the agreement.
The African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed approval on Thursday for the recently signed agreement between Ethiopian and Somali leaders regarding the Somaliland dispute — a contested region within Somalia. This agreement emerged from Turkish-mediated negotiations held in Ankara, signifying a critical development in alleviating rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia following Ethiopia’s earlier collaboration with Somaliland, which had been deemed legally invalid by Somalia.
On December 11, during discussions in Ankara overseen by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored their commitment to mutual sovereignty and territorial integrity. They pledged to collaborate on arrangements that will facilitate Ethiopia’s access to the sea. Additionally, the AU Chairperson hailed this collaboration as a demonstration of leadership responsibility, encouraging swift implementation of the agreed measures to foster further cooperation and dialogue.
The Somaliland dispute has been a source of contention between Somalia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland for many years. Somailland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is not internationally recognized as a sovereign state, complicating its relationship with the Somalia government and neighboring countries like Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s support for Somaliland’s aspirations has historically created tensions with the Somali government, resulting in a complex diplomatic landscape. This recent agreement marks a potential shift towards reconciliation and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the AU’s endorsement of the Ethiopian-Somali agreement reflects a significant diplomatic stride toward resolving long-standing disputes over territorial sovereignty in the Horn of Africa. The commitment of both nations to uphold each other’s territorial integrity and cooperate on access to the sea is a promising indication of growing diplomatic relations that could lead to enhanced stability in the region.
Original Source: english.news.cn
