Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held separate meetings with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara on Wednesday, intensifying efforts to mediate a growing dispute between the two Horn of Africa nations over the breakaway Somaliland region.
The Turkish Presidency announced the bilateral meetings via posts on X, though details of the discussions were not disclosed. Ethiopia’s Office of the Prime Minister confirmed a meeting between Erdogan and Abiy, accompanied by their respective delegations. Meanwhile, Somalia’s national broadcaster, SNTV, reported that Erdogan and Sheikh Mohamud discussed strengthening bilateral ties and reviving plans for a third round of Turkey-mediated talks between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Turkey has previously hosted two rounds of discussions aimed at mending relations between the East African neighbors. A third round, initially scheduled for September, was canceled amid escalating tensions.
The rift centers on Ethiopia’s proposal to build a port in Somaliland, a self-governing region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized.
Somalia, which staunchly opposes Somaliland’s bid for independence, criticized Ethiopia’s plans and its suggestion to recognize Somaliland in exchange for a strategic land corridor near the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
The dispute has complicated regional dynamics, drawing Somalia closer to Ethiopia’s long-standing rivals, Egypt and Eritrea. Egypt opposes Ethiopia’s massive Nile River dam project, while Eritrea has historically clashed with Ethiopia.
Turkey, with strong ties to both nations, has positioned itself as a key mediator. It provides security training and development aid to Somalia and maintains strategic partnerships with Ethiopia. These efforts reflect Ankara’s broader interest in maintaining influence along a critical global shipping route.
