Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara to discuss tensions arising from Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland. This agreement has aggravated Somalia’s claims of sovereignty over the territory. The meeting is significant as it represents the first direct engagement between the two leaders regarding the dispute.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to meet with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara, Turkey, as confirmed by Somali officials on Tuesday. The meeting, at Ethiopia’s request, comes amid rising tensions following Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland. This accord provides Ethiopia access to a stretch of coastline in exchange for potential acknowledgment of Somaliland’s independence, a move the Somali government deems illegal. The Thai diplomatic engagement marks the first direct conversation between the leaders since the dispute emerged.
The talks come at a critical time, with the impending expiration of the African Union Transition Mission’s mandate and expectations that Ethiopian troops will withdraw from Somalia. Efforts to negotiate a resolution previously mediated by Turkey were unsuccessful, with Somalia demanding that Ethiopia revoke its deal with Somaliland. Attempts for direct meetings in earlier months were declined by President Mohamud, who conditioned any dialogue on this withdrawal. Additionally, regional leaders, including those from Kenya and Uganda, have expressed willingness to facilitate discussions between both parties.
The political landscape between Somalia and Ethiopia has been strained largely due to Ethiopia’s maritime agreement with Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence in 1991 but lacks international recognition. The agreement highlights Ethiopia’s expanding regional influence and raises sovereignty concerns for Somalia, which views Somaliland as integral to its territory. The situation underscores the fragile political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and the potential for renewed conflict if the dispute remains unresolved.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed represents a crucial opportunity to address ongoing tensions regarding Somaliland. The outcome of these talks may influence regional stability, particularly given the backdrop of Ethiopia’s contentious maritime agreement and the anticipated withdrawal of Ethiopian forces from Somalia. Continuous diplomatic efforts are essential to finding a resolution that respects Somalia’s territorial integrity while allowing for a viable regional framework.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
