The African Union has urged Ethiopia and Somalia to quickly implement a new agreement addressing Ethiopia’s access to the sea. This follows a contentious deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which Somalia considers a violation of its sovereignty. A Turkish-mediated agreement has introduced cooperative measures for ensuring maritime access, with technical discussions set to begin soon.
The African Union (AU) has called upon Ethiopia and Somalia to promptly execute an agreement designed to alleviate tensions between the two neighboring countries regarding Ethiopia’s quest for access to the sea. This declaration follows Ethiopia’s controversial engagement with Somaliland to lease a coastal area for a port and military base—an act that Somalia has deemed a breach of its sovereignty. In a significant development, a Turkish-mediated agreement was recently achieved which illustrates both nations’ commitment to resolving their issues amicably and to fostering mutual prosperity.
Recent discussions held in Ankara, featuring the leadership of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, culminated in the announcement of an “historic” agreement, according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The accord expresses a collective ambition to set aside past disputes and establish reliable maritime access for Ethiopia while maintaining Somalia’s sovereign authority. The leaders are anticipating technical talks to commence early next year to expedite the process of implementing this agreement.
The tension between Ethiopia and Somalia has been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s landlocked status and its recent agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia. Somaliland’s 1991 declaration of independence remains unrecognized by the Somali government, which has heightened sensitivities around the recent port deal. The African Union’s involvement highlights the significance of regional stability, particularly given the potential for conflict in a historically volatile area. The Turkish government’s role as a mediator reflects an increasing interest in fostering peace through diplomatic channels and serves as an essential mechanism for conflict resolution in East Africa.
In summary, the African Union has urged both Somalia and Ethiopia to implement their newly forged agreement aimed at resolving maritime access tensions promptly. The agreement, facilitated by Turkey, is a strategic move towards fostering regional cooperation and stability. By prioritizing dialogue, both nations have expressed a commitment to overcoming historical grievances in favor of mutual prosperity and peace.
Original Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com
