"Ethiopia-Somalia Agreement in Turkey: Resolving Border Disputes and Strategic Tensions in the Horn of Africa"

In December 2024, Ethiopia and Somalia reached a significant agreement in Ankara, Turkey, aimed at resolving tensions stemming from Ethiopia's maritime access ambitions and its dealings with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia.

Background of the Dispute

The discord originated in January 2024 when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland. This MoU granted Ethiopia access to the port of Berbera in exchange for Ethiopia's future recognition of Somaliland's independence. Somalia's federal government, which views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory, perceived this agreement as a violation of its sovereignty, leading to heightened tensions between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.

Preliminary Agreed Discussion Points

Under Turkish mediation, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud agreed to:

Respect Sovereignty: Both nations committed to acknowledging and respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Technical Talks: They planned to initiate technical discussions to address the specifics of Ethiopia's need for sea access while ensuring Somalia's territorial rights are upheld. These talks are scheduled to commence by February 2025.

Mutually Beneficial Arrangements: The leaders expressed a willingness to explore commercial arrangements that would provide Ethiopia with access to the sea under terms that respect Somalia's sovereignty.

Historical Context of Ethiopia-Somalia Border Conflicts

The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been historically strained, primarily due to border disputes and territorial claims. A significant point of contention has been the Ogaden region, inhabited predominantly by ethnic Somalis but incorporated into Ethiopia during colonial boundary demarcations. In the late 1970s, Somalia and Ethiopia engaged in the Ogaden War, with Somalia seeking to annex the region. The conflict ended unfavorably for Somalia, but the underlying territorial disputes have persisted, occasionally flaring up and affecting diplomatic relations.

Strategic Implications

Ethiopia's quest for sea access is driven by its landlocked status since Eritrea's independence in 1993. Access to ports is vital for Ethiopia's economic aspirations and regional trade integration. However, unilateral actions to secure such access, especially through agreements with regions like Somaliland, challenge Somalia's territorial integrity and could destabilize the Horn of Africa. The recent agreement in Turkey, facilitated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reflects a diplomatic effort to balance Ethiopia's economic needs with Somalia's sovereignty concerns, aiming to foster regional stability and cooperation.

In conclusion, while the Ankara agreement marks a positive step towards resolving specific disputes, the historical complexities and strategic interests at play necessitate continued diplomatic engagement to ensure lasting peace and collaboration between Ethiopia and Somalia.

Sources

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgr7v1evvgo?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://apnews.com/article/296b4f3e4e38a92f489b854a8b4e7ccd?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/whats-behind-deteriorating-somalia-ethiopia-relations-2024-10-30/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Comments

"The Ripple Effect: How USAID Funding Cuts Threaten Somalia’s Fragile Stability"

Somalia’s Political, Security, and Economic Landscape Somalia stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a complex mix of political instability, security threats, and economic fragility. The country, which has long suffered from civil conflict and weak governance structures, has made significant yet fragile progress in state-building. The federal government continues to struggle with power disputes among federal member states, clan-based rivalries, and delayed elections that hinder political stability. On the security front, armed oppoaition groups remains a potent force, orchestrating frequent attacks on both civilian and military targets. Despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts by the Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), the militant group maintains control over strategic areas, disrupting governance and humanitarian operations. Economically, Somalia faces a daunting reality. With a heavy reliance on external a...

The Somali Political Crisis Explained: Elections, Opposition, and Security Challenges

Somalia’s Current Political Standoff: A Nation at a Crossroads As Somalia’s current government approaches the final year of its term, the political landscape is becoming increasingly charged and complex. The return of opposition leaders to Mogadishu has injected new energy into the capital, signalling a resurgence of political activity and mobilisation that is impossible to ignore. This renewed opposition presence underscores the growing momentum of political gatherings and movements, reflecting a palpable shift in the country’s political dynamics. The Government’s Vision: One Person, One Vote In response to the evolving political climate, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, alongside Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, the Speaker of the House of the People, and influential state leaders from Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Southwest states, have announced the formation of a new political party. This coalition champions a transformative electoral vision grounded in the principle of “one man, one...

The US Dollar A Common Currency In Somalia

The US dollar is a common currency in Somalia The US dollar is commonly used as a currency in Somalia, especially in urban areas and in international transactions. This is due to the instability of the Somali shilling, which has experienced significant inflation and devaluation over the years. The use of the US dollar in Somalia dates back to the early 1990s, when the country descended into civil war and the central government collapsed. Without a functioning central bank to issue and regulate its currency, Somalia has relied on foreign currencies, such as the US dollar, for trade and commerce. Additionally, many Somalis living abroad send remittances to their families in Somalia in US dollars, further contributing to the widespread use of the currency in the country. How has the use of the US dollar affected the Somali economy? The use of the US dollar in Somalia has had both positive and negative effects on the economy. Positive effects : - Stabilization: The US dollar has pro...

"Proxy Power Plays: How Turkish and Emirati Private Military Deployments Signal a New Era of Militarized Influence in Somalia"

Somalia long a battleground for internal stability, is increasingly becoming a geopolitical chessboard for external powers. The recent arrival of Turkish-deployed private military personnel in the south and UAE affliated security contractors in the northeast—marks a dangerous escalation in the militarization of Somali soil. These developments signal not just a new chapter in Somalia’s complex security story, but a stark warning: global and regional powers are using Somalia as a base for proxy operations in broader regional conflicts. Turkey’s Strategic Deployment in the South Under the guise of bilateral defense cooperation, Turkey has deployed trained mercenaries, many with combat experience in Syria and Libya, to Somalia. While officially tasked with supporting counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab, their presence suggests a deeper mission: protecting Turkish economic and political interests, projecting military power along the Gulf of Aden, and countering adversaries...

🧭 The Walk of Shame for Going Back to the Tent

🧭 The Walk of Shame for Going Back to the Tent Somalia’s Elusive One Man, One Vote Dream 📅 Published: June 2025 ✍️ By The Somali Diary Introduction For a nation that has spent the better part of two decades trying to untangle itself from conflict, fragmentation, and fragile governance, the promise of “one man, one vote” in Somalia was always more than a procedural ambition. It was a symbolic return to full citizenship , a path toward dignity and democratic legitimacy. But as Somalia stumbles toward another election cycle, the reality has become stark: the country is once again walking back to the "tent" — the indirect, clan-based electoral model. This isn’t just a compromise. To many, it is a national embarrassment . A walk of shame . The Idealism of One Man, One Vote The administration of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud came into office with a bold commitment to implement direct elections. In April 2023 , the Federal Government and four Federal Member States...

TheSomaliDiary

Search This Blog