The Horn of Africa forum opened in Djibouti, convening almost 300 delegates to address regional stability amid escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia concerning a port deal involving Somaliland. Organizers aim to foster dialogue about peace, legality, and stability, highlighting Somalia’s urgency for resolving the ongoing sovereignty dispute.
On Monday, the Horn of Africa forum commenced in Djibouti, bringing together scholars, politicians, and traditional leaders from various regions for a three-day conference aimed at enhancing regional stability. Organized by the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies based in Somalia, this eighth annual forum seeks to foster dialogue among nearly 300 delegates, including experts who will explore constructive ideas for improving stability in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law.
The timing of this year’s forum is particularly critical as tensions escalate between Somalia and Ethiopia regarding a recent port deal signed by Addis Ababa with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. The memorandum grants Ethiopia a long-term lease on a Red Sea port, raising grievances in Mogadishu, which asserts that Somaliland is part of Somalia. This agreement has surfaced amidst ongoing diplomatic discussions that have yet to yield results, with prior negotiations mediated by Turkey failing to resolve the conflict.
Somalia has consistently contested Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence since 1991, which has not garnered international recognition. The current dispute poses the risk of renewed conflict within the Horn of Africa, an area already marked by a history of instability. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi articulated the urgent need for peace and respect for international law in light of these developments, noting Somalia’s aspiration for regional stability following years of conflict.
During the forum, Djibouti’s Minister of Justice and Religion, Mumin Hassan Barre, emphasized the role of experts gathered at the event in fostering solutions for regional issues. Attendees hail from various countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and larger diaspora communities from the United States and Europe, contributing diverse perspectives to the discussions.
The Horn of Africa has long been a region fraught with geopolitical tensions, influenced by issues of national sovereignty, territorial disputes, and historical conflicts. The ongoing division between Somalia and Somaliland is punctuated by the latter’s declaration of independence in 1991, which remains unrecognized internationally. The recent port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland adds another layer to the complexities of regional relations, creating apprehensions about Somalia’s territorial integrity. Ongoing discussions and forums, such as the one in Djibouti, seek to confront these challenges and promote a collective path forward for peace and stability in the region.
In conclusion, the Horn of Africa forum in Djibouti represents a vital opportunity for dialogue and collaborative efforts to address pressing regional concerns, particularly in light of the ongoing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over Somaliland’s status and the implications of the recent port agreement. With the participation of diverse stakeholders, there is potential for constructive resolutions that enhance stability and uphold the rule of law in the region, emphasizing the critical role of local expertise and ownership in navigating these challenges.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
