A delegation led by Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ali Omar, arrived in Addis Ababa today, December 14, 2017. The visit aims to strengthen commitments outlined in the historic Ankara Agreement.
In a statement released on its official X page, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the visit seeks to “reinforce the commitments made in the Ankara Agreement.” The statement further highlighted that Somalia remains dedicated to enhancing bilateral relations with Ethiopia, as agreed upon during discussions held in Ankara under the auspices of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The Ankara Agreement: A Historic Step
The Ankara Agreement, signed on December 2, 2017, by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is seen as a landmark initiative aimed at fostering peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa. President Erdoğan described the agreement as “historic” and expressed hope that it would pave the way for greater regional stability.
The agreement includes provisions for Ethiopia to gain access to a “reliable, safe, and sustainable sea passage under Somalia’s sovereign authority.” This step is critical for Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, to secure a maritime outlet, which is vital for trade and economic development.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully, stating, “Ethiopia’s desire to have a sea passage is a peaceful endeavor that benefits our neighbors as well. This desire should not be viewed with suspicion but in the spirit of cooperation.”
Strengthening Regional Ties
The delegation’s visit also aligns with broader efforts to bolster cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia. Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the country’s dedication to fostering relationships with neighboring states based on sovereignty, mutual respect, and shared interests.
The agreement signifies a willingness to leave behind past conflicts, including tensions stemming from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, which had heightened discord in the region. Both nations now prioritize constructive dialogue and mutual prosperity.
Key Points of the Ankara Agreement
- Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity: Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to respect each other’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, adhering to international laws and norms set by the United Nations and the African Union.
- Constructive Partnership: Both nations committed to setting aside historical differences and working collaboratively for shared prosperity.
- Acknowledgment of Sacrifices: Somalia recognized the contributions of Ethiopian soldiers deployed under the African Union mission.
- Reliable Maritime Access: Ethiopia’s need for sea access was acknowledged, with Somalia ensuring this access under its sovereign authority.
- Technical Negotiations: Both countries agreed to negotiate technical aspects, starting in February and concluding within four months, with Turkey acting as a facilitator.
- Peaceful Dispute Resolution: Turkey’s support in mediating any disputes related to the agreement was formally accepted.
Regional Implications
French President Emmanuel Macron recently voiced support for Ethiopia’s efforts to secure a maritime gateway through dialogue and adherence to international law during his visit to Addis Ababa. These developments reflect growing international interest in the Horn of Africa’s stability and economic potential.
The Ankara Agreement’s successful implementation could serve as a model for resolving regional conflicts and fostering economic cooperation, signaling a new chapter for Ethiopia and Somalia.
As Ethiopia and Somalia move forward, their commitment to dialogue, respect, and mutual benefit is expected to strengthen ties not only between the two nations but also across the region, promoting peace and shared prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
This is excellent news and should be encouraged. It should be commended that it may be a sign of the leaders of these fraternal peoples have finally started to gain their Allah bestowed senses. But I just read news in which the ministry of foreign affairs of Somalia is accusing the soldiers of Ethiopia attacking it military. What do you make of that?
I told you a million times that the Horn of Africa is a strange place. Those three countries of Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia always behave in totally weird ways that have become impossible to tell what they will do a minute from now even to the most experienced experts. You remember the big hoopla in 2018-2019 when PM Abiy and Al-Toweel Isu were inseparable? Isu even did the unthinkable. He came all the way to Addis/Finfinne to address the people of Ethiopia in Amharic. I thought decades long stupid feud that caused the deaths of thousands was over. I was so taken in by emotion that I wan’t aware I was crying. But look at them now.
Now, we just read news that a high level delegation of Somalia had headed to Addis/Finfinne to discuss and brush up the final details of the peace agreement the leaders of Ethiopia and Somali signed in Ankara just less than two weeks ago. Then came this news of battles. What do you make of this? The president of Turkey is packing up to travel to both Somalia and Ethiopia less than two weeks from now for the big celebration. But now this! He may be saying ‘Niggers, niggers, niggers! You niggers never cease to amuse me’. Somebody should counsel him that the Horn of Africa is totally unpredictable. It is the weirdest place on earth. The leaders of those three countries begin to act in the strangest ways imaginable once they enter the palace. These days, one thinks he is the incarnate of Marx, Lenin and Mao traveling all the way to Moscow to lecture Putin about ‘Unipolar and multipolar’. The other one is telling us he is another Aristotle and Socrates rolled into one. The 3rd one is jumping up and down possessed with the ‘zaar’ of something ‘Woyne’ and trying his best to raise Siad Barre from the dead. What a weird region indeed!!!
When you read such stories of Ethiopian troops attacking Somalia’s soldiers, you are obliged to ask a pertinent question. You would go like, ‘I know some one is not truthful but who is lying?’ I tell you what. Somebody is lying but why? Your guess is as good as mine. What a mukharub region!!!!
But we should always bear in mind is the fact that the two rivals for influence in the region and vying for the hands of beautiful Somalia are on the overdrive to win it all. Those two are Egypt and Türkiye. When it seemed that Egypt had won the jackpot, then the Ankara agreement came about from nowhere. When that seemed to be going like a charm, then this shocking accusation of attacks by the Ethiopian soldiers dropped like a bazooka shell. Egypt will never want to see Ethiopia and Somalia at peace. Egypt will never want to see Ethiopia at peace with the country Egypt itself created, Eritrea. It will never want that because Ethiopia with its 130 million+ people is its worst nightmare.