Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to technical talks over a dispute concerning Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence, which Somalia views as a violation of its sovereignty. The discussions, facilitated by Turkey, are set to begin in February and aim to establish Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing Ethiopia sea access under Somali sovereignty, fostering regional cooperation.
Ethiopia and Somalia have convened to initiate “technical talks” aimed at addressing a dispute related to Ethiopia’s arrangement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region. Following discussions facilitated by Turkey, both nations agreed to commence these talks by February and strive for completion within four months. Key objectives include ensuring respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity while recognizing Ethiopia’s need for maritime access, which would be achieved under Somali sovereignty.
Somaliland has maintained a degree of stability for over three decades but remains unrecognized by the African Union or the United Nations. The talks also seek to establish mutually beneficial commercial agreements, allowing Ethiopia to secure reliable access to the sea.
The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasized a commitment to turning the focus towards future cooperation, stating, “The sides have reached an important stage in efforts to solve their dispute.” Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed characterized Ethiopia’s pursuit of maritime access as beneficial to the greater region, while Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts between the two countries to navigate the fragile landscape of the Horn of Africa.
The negotiations between Ethiopia and Somalia arise from longstanding tensions exacerbated by a memorandum of understanding Ethiopia signed with Somaliland in January. The agreement involves recognizing Somaliland’s independence and leasing land for a marine force base, which Somalia perceives as a violation of its territorial claims. This context is critical in understanding the significance of the upcoming talks, as they aim to stabilize relations and address unresolved issues stemming from Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence over thirty years ago.
In summary, the agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia to engage in technical talks marks a pivotal step toward resolving ongoing tensions related to Somaliland’s status. The discussions are set to prioritize Somalia’s territorial integrity while also recognizing Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations. Both countries aim to establish a cooperative framework that could bolster regional stability and foster beneficial commercial arrangements, indicating a path forward despite historical grievances.
Original Source: www.taipeitimes.com
