Kenya and Uganda’s leaders are set to mediate the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding a controversial port project in Somaliland that has heightened regional tensions. Somali officials express hope for fruitful mediation, despite skepticism regarding past efforts. The dispute has strained relations as Somalia seeks support from Egypt and Eritrea to counter Ethiopia’s influence.
Kenyan President William Ruto, alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has announced plans to mediate in the escalating dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, a conflict that poses significant risks to regional stability in the Horn of Africa. Tensions have mounted due to Ethiopia’s controversial plans for a new port project in Somaliland, which has incensed the Somali government given Ethiopia’s considerable military presence in Somalia aimed at combating al-Qaeda affiliated insurgents.
Somaliland, a region that declared independence in 1991, is seeking international recognition and perceives the port project as a potential step towards achieving this goal, despite its ongoing struggles to gain legitimacy on the global stage.
This burgeoning conflict has catalyzed closer relations between Somalia and Egypt, both of which have ongoing disagreements with Ethiopia—Egypt stemming from a long-standing dispute over the construction of a significant hydroelectric dam on the Nile River. In remarks made during a press conference at a summit, President Ruto emphasized the critical impact of Somali security on the overall stability of the region, which is essential for fostering a favorable environment for investment and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Despite previous mediation efforts in Ankara, Turkey showing little success, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has engaged in discussions with Ruto and Museveni at the recent summit. However, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi expressed skepticism about past resolutions, acknowledging Addis Ababa’s disregard for regional mediation while remaining hopeful regarding Turkey’s current engagement.
The Ethiopia-Somalia dispute centers on territorial tensions related to Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia that has not received broad international recognition despite its stability and self-governance since 1991. The region’s strategic significance, particularly concerning infrastructure projects like the planned port by Ethiopia, has intensified conflicts. Ethiopia maintains a military presence in Somalia to combat insurgency, complicating the geopolitical landscape, as regional powers like Egypt and Eritrea align with Somalia against Ethiopia over historical grievances.
In conclusion, the mediation efforts by Kenya and Uganda represent a critical step towards alleviating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, particularly in the context of the contentious port development in Somaliland. President Ruto’s remarks underline the importance of regional security for economic development. While past mediation attempts have faltered, there remains hope that new diplomatic approaches could yield positive outcomes amidst the fragile geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
