Ethiopia and Somalia have in a ground-breaking move agreed to end their nearly one-year old diplomatic row following talks led by Turkey on the third attempt.
In a joint communique after the talks in Ankara, Turkey, on Wednesday, the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirmed “their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity”, which was the core dispute following the signing of a deal for Ethiopia to access the sea via Somaliland, which Somalia considers its territory.
The talks between Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud were facilitated by Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who termed the deal as “historic”, saying he hoped the deal would be “the first step toward a new beginning based on peace and cooperation” between the two states.
“The two leaders agreed, withing the spirit of friendship and mutual respect to forgo and leave behind differences and contentious issues and forge ahead in a cooperative manner to pursue shared prosperity,” the communique said.
To address Somalia position that Ethiopia would not be part of ATMIS successor AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) that is set to launch in January 2025, Mogadishu said it recognizes the sacrifices of Ethiopian soldiers within the African Union Missions.
“They acknowledged the potentially diverse benefits that could be derived from Ethiopia’s assured access to and from the sea, whilst respecting the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” the statement added.
They further agreed to closely work together to finalize “mutually advantageous commercial arrangements through bilateral agreements, including contract, lease, and similar modalities” that will allow Ethiopia to enjoy reliable, secure and sustainable access to and from the sea, under the sovereign authority of Somalia.
This means Ethiopia has rescinded on the January 1 deal with Somaliland, and has revoked its recognition of Somaliland and consequently, no naval base for Ethiopia.
Tom Gardner of The Economist quoted a source from the Somalia side saying “the MoU is retracted”.
To facilitate this process, the two states will form technical negotiations no later than end of February 2025, with the facilitation of Türkiye, to be concluded and signed in four months.
Trouble between the two Horn of Africa states started on January 1, 2024 when PM Abiy and then Somaliland leader Muse Bihi signed a deal agreeing to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base in exchange for recognition.
Somalia termed this as and aggression and a violation of its sovereignty, leading to severing of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
LEADERS’ REMARKS
Speaking at a press conference following the agreement, PM Abiy said they had addressed “the misunderstandings” that had occurred over the past year.
“Ethiopia’s desire for secure access to the sea is a peaceful venture and will benefit our neighbors, it is a venture that must be seen in the spirit of cooperation, not suspicion,” he said.
He added that the “constructive talks” would allow the two states “to enter the New Year in a spirit of cooperation, friendship and the willingness to work together instead of against each other.”
On his part, Somalia President said the deal it had “put a halt to their differences” and that his country was “ready to work with the Ethiopian leadership and the Ethiopian people”.
President Erdogan said Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has agreed to grant Ethiopia access to the sea.
“Ethiopia’s connection to the sea, with my brother Hassan Sheikh required support, is something we believe will be facilitated. I am confident that Somalia will support Ethiopia’s request to reach the sea, and this is how I view the situation.”
“I believe with the meeting we had today, especially with Ethiopia’s demands to access the sea, my brother Sheikh Mohamud will give the necessary support for accessing the sea,” he said.
IGAD WELCOMES DEAL
Intergovernmental Authority on Development Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu on Thursday welcomed the deal, saying it marks a substantial step towards strengthening the long-standing social fabric between the two sisterly nations, and demonstrates a commitment to resolving bilateral issues amicably.
“Dr Workneh praised the leaders of both countries for their constructive engagement and spirit of cooperation. He emphasised the importance of such diplomatic efforts in addressing shared challenges and fostering stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa,” the IGAD statement added.
