The second round of talks between Ethiopia and Somalia, held in Turkey, concluded without an agreement, according to sources close to the matter. The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions, revealed that Somalia had requested Ethiopia to cancel a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Somaliland concerning the use of a seaport. In response, Ethiopia requested Somalia to first establish an agreement regarding the use of the seaport.
According to the sources, disagreements persist between the two parties, particularly concerning the language and terms under which Ethiopia would withdraw from the MoU, as well as the conditions for utilizing the seaport. These unresolved issues have prevented the parties from reaching a consensus.
The MoU, signed last December, granted Ethiopia access to 20 kilometers of coastline in Somaliland, where Ethiopia planned to build a naval base. In return, Ethiopia was expected to recognize Somaliland as an independent country, though Ethiopian officials have not officially confirmed this arrangement.
Somalia has strongly condemned the agreement with Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia, asserting that it undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The sources also indicated that the talks between Ethiopia and Somalia were conducted indirectly, with communication occurring “by ear.” It was reported that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Mowalim Fiki, and Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atsikslase held separate discussions.
Before the second round of talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan contacted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, urging them to resolve their differences.
