ETHIOPIA and Somalia have signed a landmark reconciliation agreement brokered by Turkey in Ankara, ending nearly a year of tense relations. The deal, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marks a pivotal moment for peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
President Erdoğan hailed the agreement as ‘historic,’ while the African Union (AU) welcomed it as ‘an act of high responsibility.’
Resolving a year of tensions
Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia soured in early 2024 after Addis Ababa struck a controversial port access deal with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region. The agreement, which reportedly promised Somaliland recognition in exchange for leasing Red Sea coastline to Ethiopia, was rejected by Mogadishu as a breach of sovereignty.
The dispute heightened tensions between the two nations, prompting Turkey to step in as a mediator. Beginning in May, Turkey initiated dialogue between the two governments, culminating in Wednesday’s agreement.
A Turkey-led mediation success
At the high-level Ankara summit, President Erdoğan hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Both leaders expressed gratitude for Turkey’s role in fostering dialogue.
‘Ethiopia and Somalia are more than neighbours; we are brothers and sisters whose fates are intertwined,’ said Prime Minister Abiy. He pledged that Ethiopia’s pursuit of secure sea access would be approached through cooperation, not conflict.
President Hassan Sheikh emphasised the mutual benefits of the agreement, describing it as a ‘win-win’ for both nations. ‘Somalia remains committed to strengthening its ties with Ethiopia for the prosperity of our people,’ he said.
African Union applauds progress
The African Union, through its Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, lauded the reconciliation as a significant milestone. ‘This agreement is a testament to the high responsibility demonstrated by the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia,’ Faki stated. He urged both nations to implement the agreed measures without delay.
Path to regional stability
The reconciliation signals a renewed commitment to peace and collaboration in the Horn of Africa, a region historically plagued by conflict. President Erdoğan highlighted the broader significance of the agreement, stating it would reinforce ‘sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity’ while fostering stability across the region.
Building a shared future
As both nations move forward, the focus will be on translating their shared aspirations into tangible outcomes. Key areas of cooperation include trade, security, and infrastructure development, particularly Ethiopia’s need for reliable sea access.
This agreement is not just a diplomatic win for Ethiopia and Somalia but also a testament to Türkiye’s growing role as a mediator in African affairs. The Ankara Process now stands as a model for resolving regional disputes through dialogue and mutual respect.
