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The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a prominent East African cooperation organization, has commended the Türkiye-mediated Ankara Declaration, which marks a significant step towards resolving tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The agreement, reached during peace talks in Ankara, Turkey, has been described as a milestone in strengthening the social and diplomatic ties between the two nations, which had been strained over a controversial maritime access deal.
IGAD Praises Türkiye’s Mediation
Workneh Gebeyehu, IGAD’s executive secretary, expressed gratitude to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for hosting and facilitating the discussions. “This significant accord marks a substantial step towards strengthening the long-standing social fabric between the two sisterly nations and demonstrates a commitment to resolving bilateral issues amicably,” Gebeyehu said in a statement.
He further emphasized the importance of diplomatic interventions like Türkiye’s in addressing challenges and promoting stability in the Horn of Africa. The successful negotiation is seen as a model for fostering collaboration and resolving disputes in the region.
The Ankara Declaration: A Path to Reconciliation
The agreement, known as the Ankara Declaration, was jointly announced by Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. It reaffirms the sovereignty, unity, and independence of both nations while committing to launch technical negotiations by February 2025. These talks, facilitated by Türkiye, are set to conclude within four months, addressing key concerns, including Ethiopia’s access to Somali ports.
This agreement ends nearly a year of tensions that began when Ethiopia signed a controversial lease deal with Somaliland to use the Red Sea port of Berbera, sparking outrage from the Somali federal government.
Türkiye’s Growing Role in Regional Diplomacy
President Erdoğan’s role in brokering this deal underscores Türkiye’s increasing influence in Africa. The Turkish leader has positioned his country as a key player in resolving regional conflicts, promoting peace, and strengthening economic ties across the continent.
Erdoğan described the agreement as a “historic reconciliation” and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing regional conflicts. His efforts in this case have been widely lauded as a testament to Türkiye’s commitment to fostering peace in Africa.
Background of the Ethiopia-Somalia Dispute
The tension between Ethiopia and Somalia was sparked on January 1, 2024, when Ethiopia struck a deal with Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. Under the agreement, Ethiopia secured access to Berbera Port for 50 years in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
The Somali federal government vehemently rejected the agreement, deeming it a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity. Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, operates as a de facto state but lacks international recognition.
The maritime dispute highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic need for reliable access to ports following its landlocked status, which arose after Eritrea gained independence in 1991.
Regional Implications and Future Steps
The Ankara Declaration not only resolves immediate tensions but also sets the stage for enhanced cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia. It paves the way for technical negotiations on Ethiopia’s access to Somali ports, a critical issue for Ethiopia’s economic ambitions and Somalia’s sovereignty.
Observers believe the agreement will have far-reaching implications for the Horn of Africa, promoting regional stability and economic collaboration. The deal is also expected to strengthen Somalia and Ethiopia’s roles as partners in addressing shared security concerns and economic challenges.
A Model for Regional Diplomacy
The Ankara Declaration is being hailed as a model for resolving disputes through dialogue and mediation. IGAD’s support highlights the agreement’s significance as a step towards fostering long-term stability and prosperity in East Africa.
With technical negotiations set to begin in February 2025, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of Ethiopia-Somalia relations.