Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a pivotal agreement to resolve a yearlong dispute over Ethiopia’s access to the Arabian Sea, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This accord is crucial for Ethiopia’s economic development as a landlocked nation. The agreement is expected to strengthen Turkey’s influence and facilitate regional trade.
Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud have reached a significant agreement aimed at resolving a prolonged dispute regarding Ethiopia’s access to the Arabian Sea. This pivotal accord was announced in Ankara following extensive negotiations mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is gaining traction as a crucial influencer in the Horn of Africa. The resolution is pivotal for facilitating Ethiopia’s economic development, as it has been a landlocked nation since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, making access to ports essential for its progress.
The conflict stemmed from Ethiopia’s decision to lease a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland, which Somalia perceived as a threat, leading to tensions over Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia to combat the al-Shabab terrorist group. The concern over escalating hostilities harkened back to the Ogaden War of 1977-78, underscoring the urgency of a diplomatic resolution. Turkey’s involvement is not only strategic but also stems from its historical and military ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia, allowing it to navigate the complexities of their relationship effectively.
Turkey has established the largest overseas military base in Somalia, along with training thousands of Somali soldiers, further reinforcing its commitment to peace in the region. During Ethiopia’s conflict with Tigray from 2020 to 2022, Turkey supported the Ethiopian government by supplying advanced military equipment, including Bayraktar drones. Emre Peker, an expert from the Eurasia Group, remarked, “The agreement will help make Turkey into an even more relevant power in the region, with Ankara pitching itself as a security partner for African countries.”
Moreover, Turkey has invested over $2 billion in Ethiopia, positioning itself as a leading regional investor, second only to China. The recent agreement is anticipated to open further commercial opportunities while enhancing Turkey’s diplomatic clout in Africa. Following this historic agreement, representatives from both nations are scheduled to convene in February for “technical talks” aimed at detailing the logistics of port access, thereby solidifying the terms laid out in the accord.
The historical context of the Ethiopia-Somalia conflict is rooted in Ethiopia being landlocked since Eritrea’s secession in 1993. The significance of this is heightened by Ethiopia’s ongoing need for port access to support its economic growth. The conflict escalated when Ethiopia sought to lease port facilities from Somaliland amidst existing tensions with Somalia over territorial integrity and militarized disputes, recalling previous regional conflicts. Turkey’s intervention is backed by its expanding military and economic interests in both nations, along with longstanding efforts to stabilize the Horn of Africa.
The recent agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia highlights the crucial role Turkey is playing in mediating regional conflicts in the Horn of Africa. With Turkey positioned as a vital security partner and significant investor, this resolution offers mutual benefits to both nations and elevates Turkey’s influence in the region. Future technical meetings are expected to further clarify and operationalize the terms of the agreement, paving the way for enhanced trade and stability in East Africa.
Original Source: www.gzeromedia.com
