The African Union has urged immediate implementation of a newly brokered agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia to resolve tensions over maritime access. The accord follows a controversial deal involving Ethiopia’s partnership with Somaliland, which has raised sovereignty concerns in Somalia. The agreement emphasizes cooperation and aims to secure Ethiopia’s access to the sea under Somali jurisdiction, with technical talks set for early next year.
The African Union has urged both Ethiopia and Somalia to promptly implement an agreement aimed at mitigating tensions arising from Ethiopia’s search for maritime access. This agreement follows a contentious deal made in January, wherein Ethiopia struck an accord with Somaliland, an autonomous region in conflict with Somalia. The latter has decried the deal as a breach of its sovereignty, raising fears of potential conflict. Following Turkish-mediated discussions, a significant agreement was formulated, focusing on enhancing cooperation and establishing a framework for Ethiopia’s maritime access under Somali jurisdiction.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in discussions that yielded commitments to set aside contentious issues and jointly pursue common prosperity. Both leaders highlighted the necessity for peace and stability in the region. African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the urgency of executing the agreement’s provisions, although specific details of the measures were not disclosed.
The regional dynamics between Somalia and Ethiopia have long been fraught with tension, particularly over issues of territorial integrity and access to maritime routes. Ethiopia, landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has sought arrangements that would enable it to access the sea through Somaliland, a self-declared independent entity. Somalia’s government, however, views these actions as infringements on its sovereignty, which has historically complicated relations between the two nations. The recent agreement facilitated by Turkey aims to foster collaborative efforts and de-escalate potential conflicts in the region, marking a significant shift in diplomatic engagements.
In summary, the African Union has called for the swift enactment of a recently brokered agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, which seeks to alleviate longstanding tensions over maritime access. While the accord marks a critical step in fostering regional cooperation, it remains imperative for both parties to address underlying sovereignty issues and enhance diplomatic channels to prevent future conflicts. The involvement of international mediators such as Turkey, the United States, and the United Nations underscores the global interest in maintaining stability in this strategically significant region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
