Kenya and Uganda Engage as Mediators in Ethiopia-Somalia Dispute

Kenya and Uganda will mediate the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia to address escalating tensions over Ethiopia’s planned port investment in Somaliland. This move comes as Somalia strengthens ties with Egypt and Eritrea, amid previously unsuccessful mediation attempts by Turkey. Kenyan President Ruto underscored the importance of stability in Somalia for broader regional peace and economic growth.

On Saturday, Kenyan President William Ruto announced during a regional summit that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni would engage in mediation efforts between Ethiopia and Somalia amidst an escalating dispute potentially disrupting the Horn of Africa’s stability. The origin of the conflict stems from Ethiopia’s plans to develop a port in the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, which has incensed the Somali government. Somaliland, seeking recognition and autonomy, has remained relatively stable since unilaterally declaring independence in 1991 but has been largely unrecognized internationally.

This diplomatic rift has led to Somalia strengthening ties with Egypt and Eritrea, countries with their own historical tensions with Ethiopia, particularly concerning Ethiopia’s construction of the Nile dam. President Ruto emphasized the importance of Somalia’s security for regional stability, which is vital for promoting investment and economic prosperity. Despite previous mediation efforts, including those from Turkey, no significant resolutions have been reached. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Ruto and Museveni, although there was no official mention of mediation outcomes. Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of past regional discussions but maintained hope for Turkey’s ongoing mediation efforts. Ethiopia’s officials did not provide any comments regarding the situation at the time.

The territorial and diplomatic conflicts surrounding Ethiopia and Somalia are rooted in historical tensions and regional stability issues. Somaliland’s claim for independence and Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia complicate matters, particularly due to the broader implications on the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia maintains troops in Somalia to combat al Qaeda-linked groups while pursuing port development in Somaliland, a move viewed by Somalia as provocative. Previous attempts to mediate these tensions, particularly initiatives undertaken in Ankara, Turkey, have failed, prompting Kenya and Uganda’s involvement as mediators in hopes of fostering a resolution that can ensure mutual stability and peace in the region.

In conclusion, the emergence of Kenya and Uganda as mediators in the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute marks a critical step in addressing a complex geopolitical issue in the Horn of Africa. The tensions arising from Ethiopia’s ambitions in Somaliland underscore larger regional power dynamics and the quest for stability amidst external and internal challenges. While past mediation efforts have not yielded substantial results, the current dialogue indicates a renewed focus on fostering cooperation and peace in a historically volatile region.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com