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Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is scheduled to meet Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara, Turkey, to discuss a maritime agreement that has sparked a major dispute between their nations. The talks, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, aim to address tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland.
The meeting, expected to take place on Wednesday, marks the first direct engagement between the two leaders since Ethiopia signed a controversial deal granting access to a 20-kilometer stretch of Red Sea coastline near the Gulf of Aden.
Ethiopia-Somaliland Agreement Sparks Controversy
In the deal, Ethiopia promised potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence in exchange for access to the coastline. Mogadishu views this agreement as illegal and a breach of Somalia’s territorial integrity. Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but lacks international recognition, has governed itself with relative stability, complicating regional geopolitics.
Ethiopia maintains that the agreement respects Somalia’s sovereignty, but Mogadishu has demanded its immediate withdrawal.
Turkey’s Role as Mediator
Turkey’s involvement highlights its strategic interest in the Horn of Africa. Ankara has facilitated previous rounds of negotiations in July and August, but these efforts failed to resolve the conflict. Somali officials have expressed hope that Turkey’s mediation will lead to a breakthrough.
Previous Diplomatic Efforts
Past attempts to mediate the dispute by other countries, including Kenya and Uganda, have been unsuccessful. Somali officials have previously conditioned talks on Ethiopia’s withdrawal from the Somaliland agreement. The African Union, with assistance from high-profile mediators, also struggled to bring the two leaders to the table.
Implications for Regional Stability
The ongoing dispute poses significant risks to regional security. Ethiopia, already deeply involved in Somalia through military operations against al-Shabab insurgents, faces scrutiny as Somali officials expect Ethiopian forces to leave the country by the end of December.
The stakes are high, as unresolved tensions could escalate into broader conflicts, potentially destabilizing the Horn of Africa.
Looking Forward
The Ankara meeting offers an opportunity to de-escalate tensions and find common ground. Regional observers will closely monitor the discussions, hoping for progress that supports peace and development in the region.