Ethiopia and Somalia have commenced technical discussions in Ankara to address tensions arising from Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed in early 2024, involves Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland’s independence in exchange for access to its coastline for a naval base. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, contends that the deal infringes upon its sovereignty. Turkey is mediating the talks, with a second round scheduled for March.
The MOU has intensified Ethiopia’s diplomatic isolation, drawing criticism from Somalia, Egypt, and other regional actors. Turkey, with established economic and defense ties to both nations, is facilitating the dialogue after previous attempts failed to yield progress. This initiative aligns with Turkey’s strategic interests, including recent agreements with Somalia on maritime defense and hydrocarbon exploration.
The strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia have provided Egypt an opportunity to strengthen its regional presence. In August 2024, Egypt delivered military aid to Somalia, deploying 10,000 troops as part of a peacekeeping mission. This development underscores the broader regional implications of the Ethiopia-Somaliland MOU and highlights the urgency of resolving the dispute to maintain stability in the Horn of Africa.
Turkey’s mediation reflects its strategic interests in the region. Having established a military base in Somalia and invested heavily in the country’s infrastructure and defense sectors since 2011, Turkey is well-positioned to facilitate dialogue between the parties. The successful initiation of talks in Ankara demonstrates Turkey’s growing influence and commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
As Ethiopia and Somalia prepare for the next round of talks in March, the international community remains watchful, hopeful that a peaceful resolution will be achieved. The outcome of these negotiations holds significant implications not only for the immediate parties involved but also for the broader geopolitical landscape of the region.
