Kenya and Uganda to Mediate Dispute Between Ethiopia and Somalia

Kenyan and Ugandan leaders to mediate Ethiopia-Somalia dispute; tensions rise over Ethiopian port in Somaliland. Somalia seeks international recognition, with Egypt and Eritrea aligning against Ethiopia. Mediation attempts have been ineffective; ongoing dialogue continues.

On Saturday, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that he, alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, would take on the role of mediators in the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia. This conflict poses a significant risk to the stability of the Horn of Africa region. Ethiopia, which maintains a large troop presence in Somalia to combat al Qaeda-linked groups, has raised tensions with Mogadishu due to its proposal to construct a port in Somaliland. This development could potentially bolster Somaliland’s aspirations for greater international recognition, having declared independence in 1991, despite a lack of formal acknowledgment from the global community.

The discord has prompted closer ties between Somalia and Egypt, a nation that has been at odds with Ethiopia over the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on the Nile River, as well as Eritrea, which shares similar grievances against Ethiopia. Speaking at a regional summit, President Ruto emphasized, “Because the security of Somalia … contributes significantly to the stability of our region, and the environment for investors and business people and entrepreneurs to thrive.” Several mediation attempts in Ankara, Turkey, have previously failed to yield useful outcomes. The Somali Presidential office acknowledged a meeting among Presidents Ruto, Museveni, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud but did not specifically mention mediation efforts. Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, expressed skepticism, noting that past attempts had not been effective in influencing Ethiopia, though he remains hopeful about continuing negotiations facilitated by Turkey. Presently, the Ethiopian government has not provided any comments regarding these developments.

The situation between Ethiopia and Somalia is rooted in regional security concerns and the geopolitical dynamics of the Horn of Africa. Since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it has strived for international recognition while maintaining stability in the region. Ethiopia’s military involvement in Somalia aims to combat the threat posed by insurgents, yet its actions, particularly regarding infrastructure projects like the proposed port, have sparked tensions with the Somali government. The escalation of hostilities could have broader implications for regional security, especially given Somalia’s recent alignment with Egypt and Eritrea. Previous diplomatic efforts led by Turkey highlight the complexities of the conflict and the need for effective mediation to facilitate a resolution.

In summary, Kenya and Uganda are stepping forward to mediate the escalating tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, which jeopardizes regional stability in the Horn of Africa. The proposed Ethiopian port in Somaliland intensifies this dispute, conflicting with Somalia’s governance interests. While past mediation efforts have not yielded successful outcomes, the ongoing dialogue underscores a collective desire for peace and stability in the region. The situation remains dynamic, with potential implications for international recognition of Somaliland and broader geopolitical relations.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com