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AFRICA, AFRICAN UNION, AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION, AU, DIPLOMACY, EAST AFRICA, ETHIOPIA, EUROPE/ASIA, HASSAN SHEIKH MOHAMUD, INTERGOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY ON DEVELOPMENT, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, MOUSSA FAKI MAHAMAT, REC, REGIONAL COOPERATION, SOMALIA, SOMALILAND, TURKEY, WORK, WORKNEH GEBEYEHU
Isaac Bennett
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African Union Calls for Prompt Action on Somalia-Ethiopia Agreement
The African Union urges swift implementation of a new agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia concerning maritime access, following tensions over Ethiopia’s prior arrangement with Somaliland. The Turkish-brokered deal aims to foster cooperation and resolve disputes peacefully, although its effects on the region’s stability remain to be seen.
On Thursday, the African Union called for the immediate implementation of a significant agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at reducing tensions regarding Ethiopia’s access to the sea. The deal follows Ethiopia’s earlier arrangement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, to lease a coastal area for infrastructure and military purposes. While Ethiopia sees the agreement as a path towards achieving vital maritime access, Somalia has expressed concerns over its territorial integrity.
The Turkish-brokered agreement, referred to as historic by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasizes mutual cooperation and aims to resolve disputes amicably. Key leaders from both nations, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, participated in this dialogue after previous discussions yielded limited progress.
African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted the importance of this agreement, stressing that swift action is necessary to implement the terms without delay. Despite the lack of specific measures outlined in the announcement, regional bodies such as IGAD have welcomed this diplomatic effort. The text of the agreement suggests a commitment to work collaboratively toward shared prosperity, addressing sensitive issues through dialogue with potential support from Turkey.
Nevertheless, the implications of this agreement on Ethiopia’s prior deal with Somaliland remain unclear, and Ethiopia’s officials have yet to comment on this aspect. Ethiopia, home to approximately 120 million people, has long aspired to regain coastal access, a situation lost following Eritrea’s independence in 1993. Meanwhile, Somalia has fortified its relationships with Egypt and taken actions that further distance itself from Ethiopia, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions in East Africa.
The historical rivalry and territorial disputes between Somalia and Ethiopia have deep roots, particularly regarding access to the sea. Ethiopia, a landlocked country since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, has sought to establish maritime access through agreements that have sometimes strained its relationships with neighboring Somalia. The emergence of Somaliland—a self-declared independent region—has complicated matters further, with its agreements with Ethiopia adding layers of tension. The recent negotiations facilitated by Turkey signal a potential shift towards diplomacy, albeit amid lingering mistrust and unresolved issues.
The African Union’s call for the prompt execution of the Somalia-Ethiopia agreement represents a pivotal moment in East African diplomacy, aiming to alleviate longstanding tensions over maritime access. This initiative is vital for regional stability; however, the execution will depend significantly on cooperative dialogue and transparency between the involved parties. Continued exploration of the implications of prior agreements with Somaliland will also be crucial in ensuring a comprehensive resolution that respects Somalia’s sovereignty and recognizes Ethiopia’s needs.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
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