Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are set to meet in Ankara to discuss the controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a situation causing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. Previous talks have failed, and Somalia considers the agreement a violation of its sovereignty, leading to concerns about future conflicts in the region.
The Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and the Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, are scheduled to meet in Ankara, Turkey, as confirmed by Somali officials. This upcoming discussion, requested by Ethiopia, marks the first personal engagement between the two leaders since a contentious maritime agreement with Somaliland emerged on January 1. While Ethiopia asserts the agreement does not infringe upon Somalia’s sovereignty, the Somali government categorically deems it illegal, viewing Somaliland as an integral part of Somalia.
President Mohamud’s visit to Turkey is also an invitation from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It follows previous failed negotiations mediated by Turkey to resolve the longstanding dispute over Somaliland, with Somalia insisting that Ethiopia withdraw from its maritime deal. Furthermore, Somalia anticipates the withdrawal of all Ethiopian military forces by the end of the month as the mandate for an African Union transition mission concludes.
Significantly, Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, continues to lack international recognition, complicating the situation further. Attempts to negotiate between the two nations have been ongoing, but previous initiatives by regional leaders and nations to bring President Mohamud and Prime Minister Abiy to an agreement have not materialized, igniting concerns over potential conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
The region known as Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not been recognized as a sovereign nation by the international community. The conflict stems from Ethiopia’s recent agreement with Somaliland that allows the country to access a section of Red Sea coastline. Somalia perceives this agreement as a direct violation of its territorial sovereignty, thereby exacerbating tensions between the two countries, especially since Somalia views Somaliland as part of its territory. The situation is further complicated by the withdrawal timeline for Ethiopian troops from Somalia, which adds urgency to the need for diplomatic solutions.
In summary, the impending meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed may provide an opportunity to address the fraying relations resulting from Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland. As calls for negotiation continue, the stakes remain high, with fears of renewed conflict in the Horn of Africa. Clarity on these matters is essential, especially concerning the potential withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Somalia and the recognition dilemma surrounding Somaliland.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
