On December 11, 2024, Somalia and Ethiopia agreed on the “Ankara Declaration,” which focuses on mutual respect for sovereignty and commercial arrangements. Somalia’s agreement indicates a preemptive move against potential U.S. recognition of Somaliland by the Trump administration, who holds significant support for Somaliland’s independence. The need for cautious diplomacy in the Horn of Africa is emphasized given the complex regional dynamics.
On December 11, 2024, Somalia, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reached an agreement with Ethiopia led by Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy, known as the “Ankara Declaration.” This agreement includes mutual respect for sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, alongside commitments to facilitate commercial arrangements benefiting Ethiopia through access to Somali ports.
This move by Somalia may be seen as a proactive measure to counter the potential recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty by the incoming Trump administration, particularly following Somaliland’s recent agreement with Ethiopia on January 1, 2024, for enhanced military and trade relations.
Support for Somaliland’s recognition is strong among many Trump advisors. The “Mandate for Leadership” report from the Heritage Foundation advocates for recognizing Somaliland as a strategy to strengthen U.S. interests in the Horn of Africa. This advocacy stems from belief in Somaliland’s capacity for self-governance and alignment with U.S. interests.
Former officials like J. Peter Pham and Tibor Nagy have emphasized Somaliland’s capability and willingness to engage as a partner for the United States. Nagy posited that there would be an increased inclination to recognize Somaliland given its governance and democratic practices, describing any claims that Somaliland is a part of Somalia as fundamentally flawed.
Conversely, President Abiy appears to have secured access to ports without acknowledging Somaliland’s independence, maintaining regional stability. With support from Egypt and Eritrea, who have vested interests against Ethiopia, he is unlikely to welcome American interventions that might disrupt this delicate situation. It would be prudent for President Trump to reconsider engaging with Somaliland proponents and focus on maintaining regional peace.
The article discusses the geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, particularly focusing on the interactions between Somalia and Ethiopia. It highlights the context surrounding Somaliland’s declared independence and its implications for U.S. foreign policy under President Trump’s administration. The backdrop includes various viewpoints from U.S. foreign policy experts advocating for recognition of Somaliland, while also detailing the strategic importance of Somalia’s agreement with Ethiopia. Somalia’s agreement aims to preserve its territorial integrity in the face of potential recognition of Somaliland by the U.S., reflecting a complex interplay between local governance, regional alliances, and international relations. This scenario speaks to broader themes of sovereignty, geopolitical strategy, and the interests of external powers in the region.
In summary, the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia underscores the complexities of regional politics in the Horn of Africa, particularly in light of Somaliland’s quest for recognition. The actions of the Somali government appear to be driven by the implications of U.S. policy shifts under the Trump administration. Support for Somaliland’s independence may complicate matters further, highlighting the necessity for careful diplomacy in a sensitive geopolitical landscape. It is essential for U.S. leaders to approach the Horn of Africa with thoughtful consideration of regional dynamics to avoid exacerbating tensions.
Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com
