Ethiopia and Somalia have initiated technical talks in Ankara, Turkey, to address a territorial dispute linked to an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This meeting is part of Turkey’s mediation efforts, ensuring that both nations reach a solution that honors Somalia’s sovereignty while permitting Ethiopia access to maritime areas. The next round of discussions is scheduled for March 2024.
Ethiopia and Somalia have embarked on a preliminary round of technical discussions in Ankara, Turkey, to address a lingering dispute influenced by an agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. This engagement is part of Turkey’s mediation efforts, in light of the escalating tensions following Ethiopia’s commitment to recognize Somaliland’s independence in exchange for leasing coastal land for a military base.
The contentious agreement has raised concerns for Somalia, which asserts that it undermines its sovereignty and territorial claims. In a prior meeting last December, leaders from both nations recognized the need for technical talks to establish a framework that maintains Somalia’s territorial integrity while affording Ethiopia necessary access to maritime routes.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry confirmed that the initial negotiations were led by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar. They expressed a mutual commitment to the principles outlined in the Ankara Declaration from their previous discussions, and began concrete efforts toward realizing a feasible solution.
Further discussions are scheduled for March, as Turkey continues to play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue in the Horn of Africa, a region marked by ongoing geopolitical challenges. With significant investments in Somalia, including a notable military presence, Turkey’s involvement underscores its strategic interest in regional stability, especially regarding the unrecognized state of Somaliland.
Somaliland has not been recognized as an independent entity by international bodies such as the African Union or United Nations, yet it remains a contentious issue in Somali-Ethiopian relations. Ethiopia’s position as the world’s most populous landlocked nation complicates these dynamics further, given its reliance on maritime access for trade and strategic military positioning.
The initial technical talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in Ankara signify a crucial step towards resolving their territorial dispute, particularly regarding Somaliland’s status. The mutual commitment to dialogue, backed by Turkey’s mediation efforts, aims to ensure Somalia’s sovereignty while allowing Ethiopia necessary access to the sea. Future discussions in March will be critical in shaping the outcomes of this complex geopolitical situation.
Original Source: apnews.com
