IRIA News

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Somalia and Ethiopia have committed to working together to resolve their disagreement over Ethiopia’s plan to build a port in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. The announcement followed talks between the two countries’ leaders, mediated by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, held in Ankara on December 12, 2024.

Ethiopia’s plan to build a port in Somaliland had stirred tensions in the Horn of Africa, involving regional powers and raising concerns about destabilization in an already volatile region. After the discussions in Ankara, the two nations agreed to explore commercial arrangements to provide Ethiopia, a landlocked country, with “reliable, secure, and sustainable access to and from the sea.”

The agreement is being termed as a significant step forward since Ethiopia’s earlier proposal to lease a Somaliland port in exchange for recognizing the region’s independence had faced stiff opposition from Somalia. Mogadishu firmly rejected the deal, emphasizing its stance against Somaliland’s bid for international recognition.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed readiness to collaborate with Ethiopia, marking a significant shift in rhetoric after months of tension. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed welcomed Turkey’s mediation efforts, praising the initiative as a step toward long-term regional stability.

In a joint statement released after the meeting, both nations announced plans to begin technical negotiations by the end of February next year, aiming to resolve within four months. However, specific details on how the commercial arrangements would work were not disclosed.

“This joint declaration focuses on the future, not the past,” President Erdogan emphasized during a press conference following the discussions in Ankara. His role as a mediator underscores Turkey’s growing influence in the region.

Somalia has long opposed acknowledging Somaliland’s independence since the region declared itself a separate entity in 1991. Despite its de facto autonomy, relative peace, and stability, Somaliland has not been internationally recognized. Ethiopia’s push to use Somaliland’s ports had added to tensions between the two neighbors, with Somalia even threatening to expel Ethiopian troops stationed within its borders to combat Islamist insurgents.

The dispute over the Somaliland port had geopolitical ramifications beyond Somalia and Ethiopia. Mogadishu’s opposition to Ethiopia’s plans had brought it closer to Egypt and Eritrea—two of Ethiopia’s long-standing adversaries. Egypt has had longstanding disputes with Ethiopia over Addis Ababa’s construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile River, while Eritrea’s relationship with Ethiopia has historically been fraught.

Turkey’s involvement reflects its strategic interest in the Horn of Africa, a region critical to global shipping routes. Turkey has cultivated strong ties with both Somalia and Ethiopia, training Somali security forces and investing in development projects. This role has given Ankara significant leverage in mediating conflicts and securing its influence in this vital geopolitical area.

Framework of stability

The willingness of Somalia and Ethiopia to engage in technical negotiations signals a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa. For Ethiopia, access to the sea is a critical economic necessity. Landlocked since Eritrea gained independence in 1993, Ethiopia has relied on ports in Djibouti for most of its international trade. Access to additional ports could diversify its trade routes and reduce dependency on Djibouti.

For Somalia, the dispute highlights the broader challenge of asserting its territorial integrity while maintaining good relations with neighbors. Mogadishu’s rejection of the Somaliland port deal reaffirms its opposition to the region’s independence but also reflects a delicate balancing act to avoid escalating tensions with Ethiopia, a key security partner in the fight against al-Shabaab insurgents.

The agreement also represents a rare moment of diplomacy in a region often plagued by conflict and competition for resources. President Erdogan’s ability to bring the two leaders to the table suggests that external actors can play a constructive role in resolving regional disputes. However, the true test of the agreement will be whether both parties can deliver on their promises during the technical negotiations.

“This is about creating solutions that benefit everyone involved,” said Erdogan, emphasizing the importance of looking forward rather than dwelling on past grievances. The success of these negotiations could set a precedent for addressing other regional challenges through dialogue and cooperation.