Ethiopia and Somalia Reach Landmark Agreement with Turkish Mediation

In a breakthrough hailed as a “historic agreement,” Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved a year-long diplomatic feud following intensive negotiations mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The agreement, reached after eight hours of talks on Wednesday, is expected to pave the way for renewed peace and cooperation between the two Horn of Africa nations.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ankara for the third round of Turkish-brokered talks, after previous efforts in July and October failed to yield progress. Erdogan, addressing a joint press conference, described the deal as a significant step toward a new chapter of collaboration.

“This agreement marks the beginning of a new era based on mutual understanding and shared goals,” Erdogan stated. He expressed confidence that the accord would resolve Ethiopia’s pressing need for access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty.

The conflict stemmed from Ethiopia’s controversial deal in January with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region, to lease a coastal stretch for a port and military base in exchange for recognition—a move Somalia condemned as a violation of its territorial integrity. The dispute escalated tensions, raising fears of conflict in the already volatile Horn of Africa.

During the press conference, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s need for “safe and reliable access to the sea,” describing the agreement as a way to turn a year of tensions into a new partnership. “This will benefit not only Ethiopia but also our neighbors and the region at large,” Abiy remarked.

President Mohamud, meanwhile, lauded the deal as a resolution to their differences, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to collaboration. “We are ready to work with Ethiopia’s leadership and people to build a future of shared prosperity,” he said.

Turkey’s role as a mediator has been pivotal, with Erdogan personally overseeing three rounds of talks. His diplomatic efforts reflect Turkey’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa, where it has played a key role in fostering stability.

As 2024 comes to a close, this agreement offers hope for a more cooperative future in the region. It also underscores the importance of international mediation in resolving complex disputes and promoting regional integration.