(09-03-24) NAIROBI (Halqabsi News) — Diplomatic efforts by Kenya and Djibouti to resolve the escalating conflict between Somalia and Ethiopia have been unsuccessful, according to diplomatic sources on Saturday. The disagreement, sparked by a controversial maritime agreement between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Muse Bihi, the leader of Somaliland, continues to strain relations between the neighbouring countries.
During the two-day negotiations in Nairobi, direct talks between the representatives of Somalia and Ethiopia did not occur. Somali officials led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Bal’ad, Kamal Gutale permanent secretary of the Preministers Office and Somalia’s National Security Advisor Hussein Moallim Mohamud have set the precondition that Addis Ababa pull out of its deal with Somaliland before any face-to-face discussions can take place.
On the other hand, Ethiopian representatives have requested additional time to consider the demands, indicating the complex nature of the conflict and the challenges ahead in the diplomatic process.
The failure to reach an agreement highlights the persistent challenges facing the Horn of Africa region, with maritime rights and territorial sovereignty at the heart of the conflict. The involvement of Kenya and Djibouti in the mediation process underlines the regional concern over the dispute’s potential to destabilise the area further.
Halqabsi News
