Turkey to Facilitate Talks Between Somalia and Ethiopia Amid Regional Tensions

Turkey is set to host talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to address Ethiopia’s quest for port access. Tensions have risen following Ethiopia’s naval agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia views as a threat to its sovereignty. Amid ongoing complexities, these negotiations may offer a pathway to resolve disputes and enhance regional cooperation.

Turkey is poised to facilitate discussions this week between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in a bid to resolve a protracted disagreement regarding Ethiopia’s quest for access to ports in the Horn of Africa. Sources familiar with the plans informed Middle East Eye that direct negotiations are highly anticipated during President Mohamud’s visit. The Ethiopian embassy in Ankara has refrained from providing comments, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding the ongoing dispute.

Earlier this year, Ethiopia forged a naval agreement with Somaliland, a move perceived by Somalia as a challenge to its territorial integrity and sovereignty. In response to these tensions, Turkey, having established substantial security and political ties with Somalia, signed a naval accord that seeks to bolster Somali defense capabilities and safeguard its waters from external threats. This agreement is believed to lay the groundwork for prospective energy collaborations, marked by the deployment of Turkish drilling vessels off the Somali coast earlier in the year.

While relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have been fraught with tension, Somali officials have issued stern warnings regarding possible military action should the naval pact with Somaliland advance. Turkey had previously orchestrated two high-level foreign ministers’ talks in 2023, and officials from Ankara have indicated that notable progress was made during these discussions. Turkey has maintained close security ties with Ethiopia, having supplied drones that have proved crucial to the Ethiopian government’s military efforts in the Tigray conflict.

Observers in Turkey view the forthcoming meeting as a potential turning point for normalization between the two nations, with suggestions that Somalia may offer Ethiopia port access at the border, contingent upon Ethiopia renouncing its naval agreement with Somaliland. The recent presidential elections in Somaliland have introduced additional complexity to the negotiations, with the newly elected president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi potentially holding a less favorable view towards Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed than his predecessor.

Should the talks yield positive results, analysts anticipate that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan might play a pivotal role in achieving a successful resolution. The diplomatic efforts underscore the importance of regional collaboration and the significant geopolitical stakes involved in the Horn of Africa.

The ongoing negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Turkey, arise from a complex backdrop of regional tensions and conflicting interests. Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland has been perceived as a direct challenge to Somali sovereignty, triggering a series of diplomatic maneuvers by Somalia and its ally, Turkey. The Turkish-Somali naval agreement aims to solidify Somalia’s defensive posture against perceived encroachments and foster partnerships that are critical for energy and security stability in the region. The implications of these talks extend beyond bilateral relations, reflecting the intersection of national interests and regional geopolitics.

In conclusion, Turkey’s facilitation of talks between Somali and Ethiopian leaders signifies a critical step towards addressing the longstanding disputes rooted in port access and territorial sovereignty. The evolving dynamics, particularly following recent electoral outcomes in Somaliland, highlight the complexities inherent in achieving a diplomatic resolution. Should these discussions yield favorable outcomes, they may reshape relationships in the Horn of Africa and enhance Turkey’s role in fostering regional stability.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net