Turkey Hosts Somali and Ethiopian Leaders to Address Maritime Tensions

Turkey is set to host talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to address a year-long dispute regarding Ethiopia’s port access. Following heightened tensions over an Ethiopian naval agreement with Somaliland, Turkey aims to mediate relations by potentially offering Ethiopia access to Somali ports. The political landscape is complicated by recent presidential elections in Somaliland and strengthened partnerships between Turkey and Somalia.

Turkey is preparing to facilitate discussions this week between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, aiming to address a protracted dispute concerning Ethiopia’s access to port facilities in the Horn of Africa. Reports indicate that President Mohamud intends to engage directly with Prime Minister Ahmed during this visit. Officials from the Turkish foreign ministry and the Ethiopian embassy in Ankara have refrained from providing comments on the upcoming talks.

Earlier this year, tensions escalated after Addis Ababa signed a naval agreement with the self-declared autonomous region of Somaliland, viewed by Mogadishu as a challenge to Somalia’s territorial integrity. In response, Turkey, which has fostered strong political and security ties with Somalia, entered into a comprehensive naval agreement with Mogadishu. This agreement is expected to encompass plans for establishing a Somali navy and safeguarding Somali waters against external threats. Additionally, it laid the groundwork for an energy partnership, with Turkish drilling ships commencing operations along the Somali coastline.

Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia continue to be fraught, with Somali officials warning of potential conflict should Ethiopia proceed with its naval dealings with Somaliland. Turkey previously hosted two rounds of foreign ministerial-level talks between the two nations earlier this year, with Turkish officials reporting advancements in negotiations.

Compared to the past, observers in Ankara believe the arrival of the two leaders may herald constructive developments. Sources from August indicated that Somalia might propose granting Ethiopia access to a port adjoining their border, contingent upon Ethiopia withdrawing from its agreement with Somaliland. The political landscape has shifted recently due to Somaliland’s presidential elections, bringing in new leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who reportedly possesses a less favorable view towards Prime Minister Ahmed than his predecessor. Many anticipate that should negotiations progress favorably, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan may play a vital role in facilitating a successful conclusion to the talks.

The forthcoming discussions between Turkey, Somalia, and Ethiopia stem from a longstanding conflict regarding Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access in the Horn of Africa. Somalia has reacted strongly to Ethiopia’s recent naval agreement with Somaliland, which it perceives as a threat to its sovereignty. Turkey has established itself as a significant player in the region, bolstering its military and political partnerships with Somalia while attempting to mediate tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. The geopolitical complexities in the region are further exacerbated by recent electoral changes in Somaliland, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic relations that could affect the negotiations.

In summary, Turkey is poised to mediate critical talks between Somali and Ethiopian leaders to resolve ongoing disputes regarding port access and sovereignty. With the underlying tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s agreements with Somaliland and the evolving political dynamics, the upcoming discussions could yield significant implications for regional stability. Should the negotiations bear fruit, Turkey’s involvement may enhance its role as a mediator in the Horn of Africa.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net