Somalia, Ethiopia reach compromise over Somaliland port deal
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In this photo taken on Sunday, April 1, 2018, a cargo ship is docked at the Port of Berbera in Somaliland, Somalia, which is operated by DP World.
Ethiopia and Somalia agreed on Wednesday to begin “technical talks” aimed at resolving a dispute that arose from Ethiopia’s deal with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland. This development follows talks held in Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a mediating role between the two East African nations. The dispute stems from Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, signed in January, which involves leasing land along the region’s coastline for a marine force base. In return, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland’s independence, a move Somalia strongly opposes, as it views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory.
The joint declaration came after Erdogan met separately with Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Ankara. It outlines the agreement to begin the technical talks by February 2025, with the process expected to conclude within four months. The talks will focus on respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity while acknowledging Ethiopia’s need for access to the sea. The declaration also emphasizes the goal of finalizing “mutually advantageous commercial arrangements” that would ensure Ethiopia’s reliable, secure, and sustainable access to the sea, all under Somalia’s sovereign authority.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago, has built a relatively stable political environment, contrasting sharply with Somalia’s ongoing struggles with insecurity, including attacks by the militant group al-Shabab. Somaliland’s recent presidential election in November boosted its push for international recognition, despite the fact that it is not recognized by the African Union or the United Nations as an independent state.
Ethiopia, with a population of over 120 million, is the world’s most populous landlocked country. Its need for access to the sea has been a longstanding issue, especially as it seeks to strengthen its economy and security. Turkey’s mediation comes amid a backdrop of simmering tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, especially after the deal with Somaliland was signed. Previous rounds of talks hosted by Turkey, including two foreign ministers’ meetings, failed to yield significant progress, with a third round planned for September 2024 being delayed.
In his comments at a late-night press conference in Ankara, Erdogan described the agreement as an “important stage” in resolving the dispute. He expressed hope that the talks would focus on the future rather than the past. Erdogan stressed the importance of overcoming past misunderstandings and building a new chapter of peace and cooperation between Ethiopia and Somalia. He also expressed his belief that Ethiopia’s quest for secure sea access would benefit all neighboring countries.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia reiterated that Ethiopia’s aspiration for sea access is a peaceful effort aimed at benefiting the region as a whole. He emphasized that the constructive discussions held in Ankara set a positive tone for future cooperation, expressing hope that Somalia would take steps toward allowing Ethiopia access to the sea.
Somali President Mohamud also spoke of the importance of cooperation in the Horn of Africa, which he described as a fragile and volatile region. He stated that it is crucial for Ethiopia and Somalia to work together to achieve mutual benefits and stability.
Turkey has been a strong supporter of Somalia, forging close ties and recently signing defense and economic cooperation deals, including in the oil and gas sectors. It also maintains strong trade relations with Ethiopia, playing a pivotal role in bringing the two nations to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Somaliland’s political landscape has shifted following the election of an opposition leader critical of Ethiopia’s deal. This leader won a presidential election last month and is set to be inaugurated on Thursday, signaling potential changes in Somaliland’s approach to its relationship with Ethiopia.
The talks between Ethiopia and Somalia represent a crucial step toward resolving tensions in the Horn of Africa, a region often fraught with geopolitical disputes and instability. The outcome of these discussions, if successful, could lead to a new era of cooperation and stability in the region, benefiting both nations and the broader East African community.
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