Kenya and Uganda to Mediate in Ethiopia-Somalia Diplomatic Dispute

Kenya and Uganda will mediate the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, prompted by tensions over a port project in Somaliland that threatens regional stability. Somali President Mohamud seeks assistance from Ruto and Museveni, while Somalia’s ties with Egypt and Eritrea grow amid ineffective previous negotiations.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Saturday that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will mediate in the ongoing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, which poses risks to the stability of the Horn of Africa. The conflict stems from Ethiopia’s decision to develop a port in the self-proclaimed independent territory of Somaliland, which has incited anger from the Somali government. Somaliland, which declared its independence in 1991, seeks wider recognition and has enjoyed relative peace and governance.

The tensions have prompted Somalia to strengthen ties with Egypt and Eritrea amidst a broader regional struggle against Ethiopia’s hydro dam project on the Nile River. President Ruto emphasized that securing stability in Somalia is crucial for fostering an environment conducive to investment and business growth. Despite previous mediation efforts, particularly in Turkey, no resolutions have been reached so far.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly met with Ruto and Museveni during a regional summit, although no specific mediation details were disclosed. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s Foreign Minister, expressed skepticism regarding past interventions but remains hopeful about Turkey’s involvement in potential negotiations. Requests for comments from Ethiopian officials have not yet received responses.

The diplomatically tense relationship between Somalia and Ethiopia largely arises from territorial disputes and conflict over resources in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia has engaged in military operations in Somalia against al Qaeda-linked terrorists while simultaneously pursuing infrastructural projects in the historically contentious region of Somaliland. The desire for recognition from the international community remains a driving force for Somaliland, which functions independently yet still lacks widespread acknowledgment of its sovereignty. Additionally, the rivalry over the Nile River’s management between Egypt and Ethiopia adds another layer to the regional tensions.

In summary, Kenya and Uganda are stepping in to mediate the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, addressing critical security and diplomatic concerns in the Horn of Africa. The conflict revolves around Ethiopia’s port project in Somaliland and highlights broader regional dynamics, including Somalia’s shifting alliances with Egypt and Eritrea. Previous mediation efforts have been unsuccessful, but the commitment from Kenyan and Ugandan leadership indicates a renewed approach to resolving these escalating tensions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com