1 week Ago
Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a significant agreement to address their ongoing dispute over Ethiopia's access to the sea through the breakaway region of Somaliland. The announcement was made during a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, following peace talks mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The core of the agreement, detailed in the Ankara Declaration, emphasized respect for sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
The two nations committed to resolving their differences amicably, leaving behind contentious issues to pursue shared prosperity. The new agreement acknowledged Ethiopia’s need for reliable and secure sea access, while affirming Somalia’s territorial authority. Under the agreement, Somalia and Ethiopia will commence technical negotiations by February 2025, with plans to finalize them within four months.
These discussions will aim to establish commercial arrangements, potentially including contracts or leases, that serve both nations’ interests. Turkey’s role in facilitating the talks was widely praised by both sides. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed readiness to work with Ethiopia, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Turkey’s mediation efforts.
The recognition of Ethiopian soldiers’ sacrifices in African Union missions and the pledge to address differences through peaceful dialogue further underscored the spirit of cooperation. On January 1, Ethiopia and Somaliland, an unrecognized republic, signed a memorandum granting Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea in return for acknowledging Somaliland's independence. Consequently, the Somali government recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa and annulled the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
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