Erdogan Set to Visit Ethiopia and Somalia Following Diplomatic Deal

Turkish President Erdogan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after facilitating a deal that resolves tensions between the two nations, stemming from a controversy involving Ethiopia and Somaliland. The talks, brokered by Turkey since July, are seen as a major diplomatic success, with additional outreach being made to Sudan amid ongoing conflict.

In a significant diplomatic initiative, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025. This visit is a direct result of Erdogan’s role in brokering a historic agreement aimed at resolving a lengthy dispute between Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The accord, reached during talks in Ankara on December 11, seeks to end escalating tensions that began when Ethiopia entered into a controversial agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia.

The conflict intensified after Ethiopia signed a deal allowing for the leasing of coastal land from Somaliland, which has sought recognition since declaring independence in 1991. Somalia condemned this agreement as an infringement on its sovereignty, prompting concern over the potential for renewed conflict in an already volatile region. Turkey’s involvement as a mediator began in July and included several rounds of negotiations, culminating in this recent breakthrough, which has received commendations from the African Union, the United States, and the European Union.

Following this achievement, President Erdogan has also engaged with Sudanese military leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, offering Turkey’s mediation in ongoing tensions between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. The situation in Sudan has deteriorated into violent conflict since April 2023, raising further challenges for regional stability.Since his involvement, Erdogan has positioned Turkey as a key diplomatic player in the Horn of Africa, signaling a potential shift in geopolitical alliances.

The article discusses Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s upcoming visit to Ethiopia and Somalia following the successful mediation of a historic agreement to resolve a long-standing dispute between the two nations. The tensions stem from Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland, leading to concerns over sovereignty and stability in the Horn of Africa—a region characterized by complex political dynamics. Turkey’s proactive diplomatic role reflects its increasing influence in African affairs and highlights ongoing conflicts in neighboring regions, particularly in Sudan.

In conclusion, President Erdogan’s planned visit to Ethiopia and Somalia underscores Turkey’s growing diplomatic influence in East Africa. The resolution of the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, catalyzed by Turkey’s mediation, marks an important step toward regional stability. Furthermore, Erdogan’s offer to mediate in Sudan’s conflicts signifies Turkey’s commitment to addressing broader challenges in the region, reinforcing its role as a significant diplomatic actor.

Original Source: www.barrons.com