Erdogan to Visit Ethiopia and Somalia Following Historic Peace Agreement

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 following a successful peace agreement he brokered to resolve a year-long dispute between the nations. The tensions arose from Ethiopia’s controversial lease agreement with Somaliland, leading to Somalia’s outcry over sovereignty concerns. Erdogan has also offered mediation in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, reflecting Turkey’s expanding diplomatic influence in African and Middle Eastern affairs.

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared his planned visit to Ethiopia and Somalia within the initial two months of 2025. This announcement follows his successful mediation that resolved a year-long conflict between the two nations in the Horn of Africa. Erdogan brokered this significant peace agreement during talks in Ankara on December 11, which has been characterized as a major diplomatic achievement by the Turkish leader.

The rift between Ethiopia and Somalia escalated earlier this year when Ethiopia entered into a controversial agreement with Somaliland, a region seeking autonomy from Somalia. This deal involved the leasing of coastal land for a port and military use, which prompted Somalia to decry the arrangement as an infringement of its sovereignty, heightening fears of potential conflict in the region.

Erdogan facilitated three rounds of diplomatic discussions between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Their successful negotiations culminated in a resolution that has been lauded by prominent organizations including the African Union, the United States, and the European Union, marking a significant stride toward stability in the Horn of Africa.

Additionally, Erdogan has extended Turkey’s diplomatic outreach to Sudan, offering his mediation in the ongoing crisis between Sudan’s military and the UAE-supported Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Since its onset in April 2023, this conflict has resulted in catastrophic human consequences, with tens of thousands of fatalities and the displacement of over 11 million individuals.

Through these interventions, President Erdogan demonstrates Turkey’s burgeoning influence in African and Middle Eastern geopolitics, positioning the nation as a key mediator in disputes involving critical regional and global stakeholders.

The ongoing diplomatic efforts by Turkey in the Horn of Africa are rooted in historical tensions related to regional governance and territorial recognition. The conflict initiated when Ethiopia’s engagement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, sparked concerns regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity. Erdogan’s role in mediating this complex situation illustrates a broader trend of Turkey’s enhanced involvement in foreign affairs, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. His proactive diplomacy is being observed as a strategic maneuver to strengthen Turkey’s influence on the global stage while fostering regional stability.

In summary, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s impending visits to Ethiopia and Somalia, following the successful mediation of a critical peace agreement, signify a notable advancement in diplomatic relations within the Horn of Africa. His initiatives are pivotal in establishing Turkey as a key player in mediating regional conflicts, as evidenced by the recognition of his efforts by significant international authorities. Additionally, Erdogan’s commitment to addressing the Sudanese crisis highlights the extensive outreach Turkey is pursuing in increasingly complex geopolitical landscapes.

Original Source: newscentral.africa