Somalia Delegation Heads to Addis After Ankara Deal on Sea Access Tensions

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has dispatched its State Minister for Foreign Affairs to Addis Ababa in a move reflecting the latest diplomatic maneuvers in the region, just 12 days after an agreement in Ankara aimed at easing tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

The visit comes on the heels of a deal mediated by Turkey, which sought to resolve the friction sparked by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's contentious memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, signed in January 2024.

The MoU was intended to provide Ethiopia with access to the Red Sea through Somaliland's coastline in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland's independence, a move that Somalia vehemently opposed as an infringement on its territorial integrity.

The Ankara agreement, which was to set the stage for "technical talks" between Ethiopia and Somalia starting by February 2025, focuses on respecting Somalia's sovereignty while acknowledging the economic benefits of sea access for Ethiopia. This diplomatic outreach by Somalia suggests a cautious step towards de-escalation and dialogue, despite the underlying complexities of regional politics and national interests.

The specifics of the discussions in Addis Ababa were not immediately disclosed, but they are likely to center on the implementation and impact of the January MoU and the broader implications for regional stability.

The tension now seems lowered as both countries navigated a new chapter of cooperation, with Somalia's territorial integrity and Ethiopia's strategic interests at the core of the intricate diplomatic dance.

GAROWE ONLINE