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Ethiopia’s Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs has praised the newly signed Ankara Agreement, a Turkey-brokered pact between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at ending a year-long diplomatic rift. The agreement not only resolves tensions but also signals the start of strengthened economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
A New Era of Cooperation
The Deputy Chair of Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives Standing Committee for Foreign Affairs, Fetih Mahdi, commended the pact, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to regional peace and collaboration.
“This agreement highlights Ethiopia’s leadership in promoting regional stability and fostering mutual benefits,” said Fetih Mahdi.
Professor Brook Hailu from Addis Ababa University noted the broader implications of this deal, which underscores respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and mutual sacrifices. He called it a model for regional diplomacy.
Root Cause of the Conflict
The diplomatic dispute began in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a maritime agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia considers part of its territory. The deal strained relations as Somalia opposed Ethiopia’s plans to construct a port in Somaliland, viewing it as a breach of its sovereignty.
Role of Turkey in Mediation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan facilitated negotiations, hailing the agreement as a milestone. Erdogan emphasized its importance in resolving long-standing disputes while ensuring Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions are met without undermining Somalia’s territorial claims.
“This historic agreement respects Somalia’s territorial integrity while offering Ethiopia potential access to the sea,” Erdogan stated.
Key Outcomes of the Agreement
The Ankara Agreement includes commitments from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to uphold sovereignty and focus on cooperative development. Highlights include:
Mutual Sovereignty Respect: Both nations agreed to honor each other’s territorial claims, ending the maritime conflict.
Economic Collaboration: Plans for shared development projects to boost trade and infrastructure.
Peace Promotion: Renewed dedication to regional stability through joint initiatives.
Implications for the Region
Experts believe this agreement sets a new precedent for resolving disputes in the Horn of Africa. It reflects a shift toward diplomacy and regional unity, potentially serving as a template for resolving other disputes involving neighboring countries.
The Ethiopian government views this accord as pivotal in securing its future economic interests while Somalia sees it as a reaffirmation of its territorial sovereignty.
Looking Forward
The Ankara Agreement paves the way for broader cooperation in security, trade, and infrastructure development, fostering a more integrated Horn of Africa. Both nations have expressed optimism about future partnerships, with plans for joint committees to oversee the implementation of the deal.