The ATMIS praised the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, seeking to end their dispute over a port in Somaliland. Special Representative Mohamed El-Amine Souef highlighted the leadership displayed in Ankara, urging implementation of the accord. AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also welcomed the agreement, expressing the need for immediate action. Tensions had escalated prior due to Ethiopia’s ties with Somaliland, bringing this resolution into sharper focus.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has lauded the recent agreement reached between Somalia and Ethiopia, aimed at resolving a longstanding dispute over Ethiopia’s proposed port development in Somaliland, a region within Somalia. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia and head of ATMIS, described the agreement, signed in Ankara, Turkey, as a significant demonstration of leadership essential for fostering regional peace and stability.
Souef asserted that ATMIS is unwavering in its commitment to support Somalia in its governance and security transition, aligning with the aspirations of the Somali populace and the broader African Union vision for a flourishing Africa. He emphasized the need for both parties to expediently implement the agreed terms to build mutual trust and facilitate cooperation.
Furthermore, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed his approval of the agreement, which was signed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on December 11, under the auspices of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Mahamat commended this significant act of leadership, urging immediate action on the terms laid out in the communique.
Tensions had previously intensified between Ethiopia and Somalia due to an agreement earlier this year between Ethiopia and Somaliland, allowing Ethiopian access to the Red Sea, which Somalia condemned. In their recent statement in Ankara, leaders Ahmed and Mohamud reaffirmed their mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pledged to cooperate further toward ensuring Ethiopia’s maritime access.
The agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia occurs in the context of a decade-long dispute regarding the political status of Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but is not internationally recognized as separate. The situation became more contentious when Ethiopia formed a relationship with Somaliland, leading to accusations that Ethiopia was undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity. This recent high-level meeting, facilitated by Turkey, indicates a diplomatic shift and an effort towards reconciliation and cooperation between the two nations, both critical players in the Horn of Africa’s geopolitics.
In summary, the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia marks a pivotal moment in their diplomatic relations, aimed at resolving a contentious territorial dispute over Somaliland. Both the ATMIS and the African Union have emphasized the importance of executing the terms of this agreement promptly to enhance cooperation, stability, and regional security. The successful implementation of these measures is crucial for fostering a collaborative relationship that can ultimately benefit both nations and contribute to peace in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
