Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 following his successful mediation of their dispute. This intervention has resolved tensions stemming from an Ethiopian agreement with Somaliland and has gained praise from major international entities. Erdogan has also offered to mediate the conflict in Sudan, indicating Turkey’s expanding diplomatic role in Africa and the Middle East.
In a significant diplomatic development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared his intention to visit Ethiopia and Somalia within the initial months of 2025. This announcement follows Erdogan’s successful mediation in resolving a prolonged conflict between these two nations. On December 11, a crucial deal was brokered by Erdogan in Ankara, which has been recognized as a historic achievement by the Turkish leader.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia had intensified since January, when Ethiopia entered into a controversial agreement with Somaliland—a semi-autonomous region of Somalia. This pact involved Ethiopia leasing a stretch of coastline for a military base and port in exchange for Somaliland’s formal recognition, which Ethiopia refrained from confirming. Somalia viewed this agreement as a breach of its sovereignty, thereby heightening fears of escalating hostilities.
Through extensive diplomatic initiatives, which included three rounds of negotiations facilitated by Turkey, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia ultimately reached an agreement, effectively putting an end to the standoff. This diplomatic achievement has garnered acclaim from noteworthy organizations including the African Union, the United States, and the European Union.
Erdogan’s diplomatic initiatives extend beyond the Horn of Africa, as he has also reached out to Sudan, expressing Turkey’s willingness to mediate in the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s military forces and the UAE-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese crisis, which began in April 2023, has caused a humanitarian catastrophe, leading to tens of thousands of fatalities and displacing over 11 million individuals.
These interventions by President Erdogan reflect Turkey’s burgeoning influence within both African and Middle Eastern diplomatic landscapes, highlighting its role as a mediator in conflicts involving various global and regional powers.
The escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia stemmed from Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland, which sought to enhance its geopolitical positioning through a lease agreement involving military and economic cooperation. The situation was exacerbated by Somalia’s objections, framing the deal as an affront to its territorial integrity. Erdogan’s mediation efforts have established Turkey as a key player in African diplomacy, fostering relations while maneuvering amid complex regional dynamics marked by historical conflicts and evolving alliances.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s planned visits to Ethiopia and Somalia underscore the importance of diplomatic engagement in resolving regional disputes. His successful mediation has not only alleviated long-standing tensions but also demonstrated Turkey’s rising influence in diplomatic circles across Africa and the Middle East. As Turkey actively seeks to mediate in conflicts such as the one in Sudan, its role as a facilitator of dialogue and resolution becomes increasingly significant, reflecting a strategic expansion of its foreign policy initiatives.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
