The African Union (AU) has urged Somalia and Ethiopia to promptly implement a landmark agreement aimed at easing tensions over Ethiopia’s bid for sea access. AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat called the deal an important act and stressed the need for immediate action to solidify the resolution.
Tensions between the two nations escalated in January after Ethiopia struck a controversial agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, to lease coastline for a port and military base. The deal also hinted at Ethiopia recognising Somaliland’s independence, a move that Somalia strongly opposed, citing sovereignty violations.
Turkey brokered the latest round of talks, which culminated in Wednesday’s “historic” agreement. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the deal as a step toward granting Ethiopia, a landlocked nation since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, access to the sea.
The accord, released by Turkey, commits both countries to resolve their differences and work collaboratively toward mutual prosperity. It outlines plans for technical discussions on commercial and bilateral arrangements, ensuring Ethiopia’s “reliable, safe, and sustainable” sea access under Somalia’s sovereign authority.
These talks are expected to begin by February and conclude within four months, with Turkey providing mediation if necessary.
However, details about the status of Ethiopia’s separate deal with Somaliland remain unclear. A source close to Somaliland’s government suggested that the new agreement does not nullify the previous memorandum of understanding.
The AU and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) welcomed the agreement as a significant step toward resolving bilateral disputes. IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyehu, praised it as a demonstration of commitment to resolving issues amicably.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasised the importance of peace and cooperation in the region, while Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated his country’s need for coastal access but dismissed any intent to pursue war over the matter.
The agreement marks a critical turning point in Ethiopia-Somalia relations but leaves lingering questions about Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. Both nations will now face the challenge of transforming this diplomatic breakthrough into actionable, sustainable progress.
