By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Tensions remain high in the Horn of Africa seven months after a New Year's Day agreement where the self declared republic of Somaliland consented to lease part of its coastline to its landlocked neighbor, Ethiopia. Somalia opposes the maritime agreement, details of which remain unclear.
Somalia views the deal as illegal and an "act of aggression," maintaining that Somaliland, which seceded from Somalia in 1991 during a protracted civil war, is still part of its territory. Somalia is also angered by reports suggesting that Ethiopia, in exchange for port access, might become the first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation.
Both the African Union and the US support Somalia's territorial integrity and have urged all parties to reduce tensions. Turkey has intervened diplomatically, bringing Ethiopian and Somali delegates together for talks in Ankara.
The negotiations were partially successful. While the foreign ministers of Ethiopia and Somalia attended the talks on July 1, they refused to engage in one on one discussions. Turkey's foreign ministry described the discussions as "candid, cordial, and forward looking." The parties agreed to reconvene in September, with hopes that progress could lead to a meeting between the two countries' leaders.
Turkey's involvement is rooted in its close relationship with Mogadishu, including a 10 year defense pact to help guard Somalia's coastline and rebuild its naval forces. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud indicated that Ethiopia requested Turkey's facilitation of the talks. Addis Ababa is keen to ease tensions as Somalia has sought diplomatic support from Western and Gulf states. However, President Mohamud noted that Ethiopia has shown no indications of withdrawing from the deal.
The exact terms of the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland have not been disclosed, leading to differing interpretations of the Memorandum of Understanding . The MoU, which is not legally binding, suggests that Somaliland is prepared to grant Ethiopia commercial access to the sea, though the specific port remains unidentified. There is also a military aspect, with Somaliland possibly leasing part of its coast to Ethiopia's navy. In return, Somaliland would receive a share in Ethiopian Airlines.
Controversy arises from whether Ethiopia committed to recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland's President Muse Bihi Abdi claimed the agreement included a provision for future recognition by Ethiopia, which Addis Ababa has not confirmed. Instead, Ethiopia mentioned an assessment towards a stance on Somaliland's recognition efforts.
For Somalia, any implication that Somaliland could negotiate deals independently or lease territory without Mogadishu's consent is highly problematic. Somalia condemned the agreement as an act of "aggression" and recalled its ambassador from Addis Ababa, with Ethiopia's ambassador subsequently leaving Mogadishu. President Mohamud's rhetoric intensified, urging youth to defend Somalia and labeling Ethiopia as an "enemy."
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained stability and a functioning political system, unlike much of Somalia. However, no country has recognized its independence. If Ethiopia were to recognize Somaliland, it would significantly impact the Horn of Africa region.
Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has described access to the sea as vital for the landlocked nation, which lost its ports when Eritrea seceded in the early 1990s. Ethiopia insists that its intentions are peaceful, despite Somalia's concerns about potential military actions.
The AU, US, Arab League, and European Union have called for calm and mutual respect. Egypt, which has disputes with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, has pledged support for Somalia. President Mohamud has sought regional backing, visiting Eritrea and engaging with its leader Isaias Afeworki, though relations between Eritrea and Ethiopia have cooled.
Kenya and Uganda have not taken clear positions, while Saudi Arabia and China have expressed support for Somalia's territorial integrity, which Mogadishu views as a diplomatic success.
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