Ethiopia and Somalia have put an end to their bitter dispute over Addis Ababa’s plans to build a port in Somaliland, following talks mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The historic agreement marks a significant step towards regional stability and ensures landlocked Ethiopia’s access to the sea.
The two neighbors have been at odds since January, when Ethiopia signed a maritime deal with Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory.
The dispute had sparked fears of a wider regional conflict, with Egypt backing Somalia due to its own tensions with Ethiopia over the Nile River dam.
However, the recent talks in Turkey have brought about a new beginning, as Erdogan described the agreement.
The leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to respect each other’s sovereignty, and President Mohamud expressed his country’s readiness to work with the Ethiopian leadership and people.
Key points from the agreement:
- Technical Negotiations: Somalia and Ethiopia will start technical negotiations by the end of February 2024, to be concluded within four months.
- Regional Stability: The agreement aims to ensure regional stability and prevent further conflict in the Horn of Africa.
- Turkey’s Role: Turkey’s mediation played a crucial role in resolving the dispute, highlighting its growing influence in the region.
