Somalia and Ethiopia Ink Ankara Declaration to Resolve Somaliland Dispute

Dec 12, 2024, 06:00 PM

Somalia and Ethiopia have reached a historic agreement to resolve their dispute over Somaliland, with Turkish mediation playing a pivotal role. The agreement, known as the Ankara Declaration, was announced following extensive negotiations in Ankara, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed their commitment to cooperation and peace, with technical negotiations set to begin by the end of February 2025 to finalize commercial arrangements. The deal reaffirms the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of both nations, while also addressing Ethiopia's need for access to the sea. The resolution of this conflict is seen as a significant step towards stability in the Horn of Africa, with potential economic benefits for both nations. The African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States have all welcomed the agreement, praising Turkey's mediation efforts.