Ethiopia has been silent on Djibouti’s proposal to ease tensions with Somalia over maritime access, despite support from the international community. Djibouti’s offer includes sharing the Tojarah port, while Somalia rejects military presence but is open to commercial agreements. Turkey’s mediation efforts have stalled amid these complexities.
Ethiopia has not responded to Djibouti’s proposal aimed at mitigating tensions surrounding the long-standing dispute with Somalia regarding access to sea routes. This proposal has received backing from several international stakeholders. Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, reiterated last month that Djibouti is prepared to assist in resolving the conflict, which hinges on Ethiopia’s connectivity to maritime trade via Somalia. The proposal involves Djibouti offering the Tojarah port in northern Djibouti, which would serve as a shared maritime facility managed by both nations. This strategic offering is particularly significant given Ethiopia’s status as a landlocked country that depends on its neighbors for trade routes. Minister Youssouf stated that Djibouti is still awaiting a response from Ethiopia regarding this offer, which could serve as an alternative route for Ethiopia’s shipping needs. Ethiopia has already signed a memorandum with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, seeking additional access to the sea. However, Somalia has categorically stated its opposition to any military presence within its territory while expressing willingness to enter into a commercial agreement with Ethiopia concerning maritime access. Youssouf emphasized, “The proposal remains on the table. We aim to reduce tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia by offering a northern port to Ethiopia for commercial use.” The atmosphere surrounding these discussions is complicated, as Somalia insists that no military installations will be permitted on its land, even while expressing readiness for economic partnerships with Ethiopia. Attempts at mediation by Turkey have so far failed, particularly after Somalia conditioned further negotiations on Ethiopia’s withdrawal from its previous agreement with Somaliland.
The dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia over sea access has historical roots tied to Ethiopia’s geographical constraints as a landlocked nation. Djibouti, positioned along significant maritime routes, has emerged as a potential facilitator in this diplomatic impasse. Djibouti’s offer of the Tojarah port is noteworthy as it proposes economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia while aiming to stabilize regional tensions. The involvement of international players, including Turkey, reflects wider concerns regarding stability in the Horn of Africa, making this issue vital not only for the nations involved but also for regional diplomatic and economic dynamics.
In conclusion, Ethiopia has yet to formally respond to Djibouti’s offer for shared access to the Tojarah port, despite the proposal being aimed at reducing tensions with Somalia. The complexities of the situation are exacerbated by Somalia’s firm stance on military presence and the continued interest of international actors in mediating the discussions. The outcome of this proposal could significantly influence the economic and political landscape of the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
