(13 Dec 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a landmark agreement to end a months-long dispute over Ethiopia’s plans to build a port in Somaliland.
The deal, brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, was announced on Wednesday night and aims to foster greater cooperation between the two Horn of Africa nations.
President Erdogan hailed the agreement as “historic” and a “new beginning” that could eventually guarantee landlocked Ethiopia access to the sea.
The dispute began in January when Ethiopia signed a deal with Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia, to lease a 20km stretch of coastline for 50 years to establish a naval base. This move angered Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory.
However, both sides have now committed to resolving their differences. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reaffirmed his country’s readiness to work with Ethiopia, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed stressed that his country’s pursuit of sea access was not intended to threaten Somalia.
Turkey, which has strong economic and security ties with both countries, played a key role in brokering the deal. President Erdogan emphasised the importance of the agreement in preventing a wider regional conflict, particularly given tensions involving Egypt.
The joint declaration calls for “technical talks” in February to iron out the details of a commercial arrangement that will provide Ethiopia with sea access “under Somalia’s sovereignty”.
However, it remains unclear whether Ethiopia has abandoned its original deal with Somaliland, a key demand from Somalia. Somaliland, which recently elected a new president, has promised to review the maritime agreement but has yet to comment publicly on its future.
The agreement signals a step forward for peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa, though significant challenges remain.
Halqabsi News
