Somalia and Ethiopia signed the Ankara Declaration, ensuring Ethiopia’s access to Somali ports amidst concerns over Somaliland’s recognition by the Trump administration. This agreement reflects Somalia’s strategic maneuvering to preempt U.S. acknowledgment of Somaliland, while reinforcing ties with Ethiopia, which seeks to stabilize its access to maritime resources.
On December 11, 2024, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed signed the “Ankara Declaration” during negotiations facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The agreement emphasizes mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, fostering commercial arrangements that secure Ethiopia’s access to the sea through Somali ports, under Somali authority.
Somalia’s decision to allow Ethiopian access to its ports likely stems from concerns about the potential recognition of Somaliland by the incoming Trump administration. Somaliland, which has declared independence, forged an agreement with Ethiopia on January 1, 2024, granting port facilities in exchange for recognition by Ethiopia as an independent state.
Supporters of Donald Trump, including policy advisors, have shown favor towards recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty. These intentions are underscored in the Project 2025 report by the Heritage Foundation, which advocates for U.S. recognition of Somaliland in light of deteriorating American influence in Djibouti.
Prominent foreign policy advisors from Trump’s first term have argued for Somaliland’s recognition due to its strategic alliances and stability. J. Peter Pham described Somaliland as a valuable partner for the U.S., while Tibor Nagy considered the notion of Somaliland being part of Somalia a fallacy, suggesting that recognition may become feasible with a supportive administration.
Furthermore, Ethiopian President Abiy has successfully secured maritime access for Ethiopia without conceding to Somaliland’s demands for recognition, thereby averting potential hostilities with Somalia, which has allied with Egypt and Eritrea. Observers caution that President Trump’s administration should remain neutral regarding the Somaliland issue to maintain regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
The recent agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia highlights the complex geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. Following the rise of Donald Trump to the presidency, there is heightened concern over the U.S. potentially recognizing Somaliland, complicating the already delicate relations in the region. Ethiopia’s maneuvers suggest an effort to strengthen its position while sidestepping direct confrontations with Somali authorities.
The Ankara Declaration symbolizes a strategic alignment between Somalia and Ethiopia, countering the growing inclination toward recognizing Somaliland. This agreement aims to solidify bilateral relations while safeguarding regional security. It remains crucial for the incoming U.S. administration to approach the Horn of Africa’s dynamics with caution, considering the varying interests at play.
Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com
