Kenya and Uganda have pledged to mediate disputes between Ethiopia and Somalia arising from tensions over port developments in Somaliland. During an EAC summit, President Ruto highlighted the importance of Somali security for regional stability. Previous mediation efforts have failed, and Somalia’s officials remain skeptical of Ethiopia’s willingness to engage. This geopolitical conflict has broader implications for the Horn of Africa’s stability.
In a notable development during the East African Community (EAC) regional heads of state summit, Kenyan President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni have committed to facilitating mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia amidst escalating tensions. The Somali government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has recently encountered friction with Ethiopia over its plans to construct a port in the contested Somaliland region, a situation that has become increasingly precarious for regional stability. “Because the security of Somalia… contributes significantly to the stability of our region, and the environment for investors and business people and entrepreneurs to thrive,” President Ruto stated in a press conference following the summit.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has recently soured, primarily due to Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia aimed at combating insurgent groups affiliated with al-Qaeda. Ethiopia’s engagement in Somalia has been complicated by its contentious plan to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty in exchange for port development. This discord has prompted Somalia to forge closer ties with Egypt and Eritrea, both of whom share longstanding grievances with Ethiopia over various geopolitical issues. Previous mediation attempts, particularly those held in Ankara, Turkey, have not yielded successful resolutions to the conflict.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi expressed skepticism regarding Ethiopia’s willingness to engage in dialogue, citing a history of unheeded resolutions by regional leaders but expressed optimism regarding Turkey’s ongoing mediation efforts. As of now, Ethiopian officials have not provided public comments regarding the latest developments or the mediation initiative led by Kenya and Uganda.
The ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia is centered around significant political and territorial issues, including Ethiopia’s military involvement in Somalia and the contentious Somaliland port development plans. With historical tensions between these nations and their respective regional affiliations influencing the dynamics, external interventions, particularly by neighboring countries like Kenya and Uganda, have become increasingly critical in addressing these conflicts. The involvement of Turkey in mediation underscores the international interest in achieving a peaceful resolution in the Horn of Africa, a region marked by insecurity due to insurgent activities and geopolitical rivalries.
In summary, the East African Community summit has sparked a renewed commitment from Kenya and Uganda to mediate the escalating dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, which poses substantial risks to regional stability. With both nations recognizing the broader implications of a secure Somalia for economic and business opportunities, their role as mediators is pivotal. However, persistent skepticism about Ethiopia’s responsiveness to mediation efforts remains, alongside the ongoing complexities of regional alliances and conflicts.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
