Ethiopia Unresponsive to Djibouti’s Proposal for Tension Reduction with Somalia

Ethiopia remains unresponsive to a proposal from Djibouti intended to ease tensions with Somalia regarding sea access. Djibouti has offered the Tojarah port as a shared maritime solution while Somalia stands firm against any military presence. The situation remains complicated despite international mediation efforts, particularly from Turkey.

Ethiopia has not responded to Djibouti’s proposal aimed at alleviating tensions with Somalia, which had previously received backing from various international stakeholders. Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohamoud Ali Youssouf, expressed his country’s readiness to mediate the territorial dispute regarding maritime access, indicating a willingness to provide a port that would be co-managed by both Djibouti and Ethiopia. Youssouf articulated in a Voice of America interview that Djibouti remains patient for Ethiopia’s response concerning the offer, specifically for the Tojarah port situated in northern Djibouti. This port is proposed as an alternative route for Ethiopia’s maritime access, crucial for a landlocked nation that depends on external trade networks. Ethiopia, in pursuit of ocean access, has previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland, a secessionist region of Somalia, further complicating regional dynamics. Youssouf commented, “The proposal remains on the table. We aim to reduce tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia by offering a northern port to Ethiopia for commercial use.” He posited that acceptance of the agreement could pave the way for economic partnerships benefiting both nations. Nevertheless, Somalia has stated that it will not permit any military presence on its soil yet remains open to economic cooperation concerning trade with Ethiopia. Mohamud Ali Youssouf clarified, “If Ethiopia wants commercial access, we are open to that. But there will be no naval base.” Efforts to mediate these tensions, particularly by Turkey, have yet to yield results. Plans for discussions involving all parties were put on hold after Somalia insisted on Ethiopia’s withdrawal from its agreement with Somaliland prior to any negotiations. This geopolitical situation continues to develop, underscoring the complexities surrounding access to maritime routes in the Horn of Africa and the balancing of regional power dynamics among Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti.

The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa is characterized by Ethiopia’s struggles as a landlocked country striving for access to maritime routes. This drives Ethiopia to seek alternatives, such as competing regional claims over trade access that involve neighboring nations such as Somalia and Djibouti. Djibouti’s proactive approach includes proposing a joint management port solution to facilitate Ethiopia’s maritime access, which speaks to the intricate relationship between economic needs and regional tensions. The recognition of Somaliland by Ethiopia has added a layer of complexity to this dynamic, challenging long-standing territorial disputes and intertwining economic interests with political sovereignty.

In summary, Ethiopia’s lack of response to Djibouti’s proposal for a shared maritime solution highlights the ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over sea access. The proposed Tojarah port remains an opportunity for cooperation, but Somalia’s firm stance against military presence complicates negotiations. As external actors like Turkey attempt to mediate, the situation in the Horn of Africa underscores the delicate balance of territorial disputes and economic collaboration in a region marked by instability and historical grievances.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com