Kenya and Uganda Step In to Mediate Ethiopia-Somalia Dispute

Kenya and Uganda will mediate the escalating dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia over Somaliland’s port development plans, which threaten regional stability. Ethiopian troops operate in Somalia against insurgencies while Somaliland seeks broader international recognition. The tensions are straining Somalia’s relations with Egypt and Eritrea as efforts at resolution have stalled.

On Saturday, Kenyan President William Ruto announced that both he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni would facilitate mediation efforts regarding a growing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia. This dispute poses significant threats to regional stability and has been exacerbated by Ethiopia’s military presence in Somalia, which aims to combat al Qaeda-linked groups. The friction primarily stems from Ethiopia’s ambitious plans to develop a port in Somaliland, which seeks greater recognition of its sovereignty from Somalia—a nation that has been struggling with governance and security issues since its declaration of independence in 1991.

The tensions over Somaliland’s developments have prompted Somalia to strengthen its ties with Egypt and Eritrea, both nations that have longstanding grievances with Ethiopia. President Ruto emphasized the importance of Somali stability, noting that “the security of Somalia … contributes significantly to the stability of our region, and the environment for investors, business people, and entrepreneurs to thrive.” Despite several attempts at mediation in Ankara, no resolution has been reached as of yet. Responses from Ethiopian governmental and foreign affairs representatives remain pending, while attempts to reach Somalia’s foreign minister were unsuccessful.

The geopolitical scenario in the Horn of Africa remains complex, characterized by deep-rooted conflicts. Ethiopia, which relies on Somali land to counter terrorism, is at odds with the Somali government regarding the status and development of Somaliland. Despite having operated independently since 1991, Somaliland lacks widespread international recognition, which complicates its engagements with both Somalia and Ethiopia. This situation is further complicated by external influences from Egypt and Eritrea, both of which have conflicting interests with Ethiopia, particularly concerning water resources and territorial disputes. Regional security is fragile, and addressing these disputes is critical for economic and social stability in the area.

The call for mediation by Presidents Ruto and Museveni highlights the urgency of resolving the Ethiopia-Somalia dispute, which not only affects the immediate nations involved but also the broader Horn of Africa. Both countries have issued clear messages on the importance of regional security for sustainable development and international investment opportunities. The ongoing diplomatic efforts underscore the need for comprehensive dialogue to prevent further escalation of tensions that could destabilize the region.

Original Source: www.sowetanlive.co.za