The East African regional organization has praised the Türkiye-mediated agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, which aims to resolve tensions that have persisted for nearly a year. The accord signifies a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance stability in the Horn of Africa, underscored by the importance of diplomacy in addressing regional issues.
The East African regional cooperation organization commendably acknowledged the historic agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, which successfully resolved nearly a year of strained relations, following productive negotiations facilitated in Turkey. This accord is considered a pivotal advancement in reinforcing the longstanding ties between the two nations, reflecting their desire to amicably address their bilateral concerns. Gebeyehu, the spokesperson for the organization, remarked on Turkish President Receip Tayyip Erdogan’s dedication to diplomacy as instrumental in achieving the accord.
The recent tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia stemmed from Ethiopia’s January 1 agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, regarding the use of the Berbera port. In response to the escalating conflicts, Türkiye engaged in mediation efforts to build peace. The announcement of the agreement was made through a joint press conference held in Ankara, attended by President Erdogan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Within the framework of the agreement, both countries affirmed their commitment to each other’s sovereignty, unity, and independence. They plan to initiate technical negotiations, with Türkiye’s mediation, by the end of February 2025 and aim to conclude these discussions within four months. This collaborative effort is recognized as critical for fostering stability and prosperity within the Horn of Africa, a region facing numerous challenges.
Ethiopia and Somalia have historically experienced strained relations, particularly exacerbated by territorial disputes and issues of sovereignty. The situation intensified after Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, a breakaway entity of Somalia, causing a rift in its diplomatic interactions with Somalia. Türkiye has actively sought to mediate tensions between the two nations, reflecting its broader commitment to regional stability in East Africa. The region has been significantly affected by geopolitical shifts since Eritrea’s independence from Ethiopia in 1991, which left Ethiopia landlocked and without direct access to the Red Sea, complicating its trade routes and relations with neighboring countries.
In summary, the agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Türkiye, signifies a crucial diplomatic breakthrough aimed at establishing peace and collaboration in the East African region. The commitment to address mutual concerns and strengthen bilateral relations indicates a proactive stance towards resolving past tensions. The forthcoming technical negotiations promise to lay a foundation for lasting stability in the Horn of Africa and reinforce the significance of diplomatic efforts in addressing shared challenges.
Original Source: news.az
