Somalia, Ethiopia Agree on Somaliland Dispute Resolution, Turkey Mediates

Dec 12, 2024, 11:30 AM

Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to resolve their dispute over the breakaway region of Somaliland, following mediation efforts by Turkey. The agreement, known as the Ankara Declaration, was announced after extensive talks in Ankara, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The declaration commits both nations to respect each other's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, aiming to foster cooperation for mutual prosperity. The deal includes provisions for Ethiopia to gain commercial access to the Somali coastline, addressing its need for sea access as a landlocked nation. The agreement also sets a timeline for technical delegations from both countries to negotiate further details by February 2025. The mediation was praised by international bodies including the African Union, the European Union, and Qatar, highlighting Turkey's pivotal role in regional diplomacy. Ethiopia's recognition of Somalia's unity was a key sticking point, with Turkey's military aid to Somalia and US diplomatic pressure also playing significant roles in the negotiations.