Previously, President Mohamud had insisted he would not engage with Ethiopia until it apologized for the agreement.
Following months of tension brought on by a contentious maritime pact between Ethiopia and Somaliland, Somalia and Ethiopia have made major progress toward reconciliation in a diplomatic breakthrough facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
During a joint press conference at the presidential palace in Ankara on Wednesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, under Erdogan’s facilitation, signaled a new era of cooperation and mutual understanding.
Erdogan pointed to Turkey’s role in bringing the two countries together, saying, “We have reached an important stage in the Ankara process.” According to him, the deal is a “historic and self-sacrificing compromise” that will provide a strong basis for future collaboration.
The conference follows months of diplomatic tension, especially when Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which Somalia saw as a breach of its territorial sovereignty. President Mohamud has previously stated that he would not communicate with Ethiopia until it expressed regret for the arrangement.
Ethiopia wants “safe and reliable access to the sea,” which he says will benefit the entire Horn of Africa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, underscoring the two nations’ linked history and culture.
These views were echoed by President Mohamud, who said that they have “very much in common” and “limited differences.” He conveyed his willingness to support Ethiopian-Somali friendship and thanked Turkey for its mediation efforts.
The agreement, reached during a summit in Ankara, addresses long-standing tensions between the two countries, particularly surrounding Ethiopia’s quest for sea access and Somalia’s concerns about territorial integrity.
The following are some of the Ankara Declaration’s main clauses:
- In accordance with international law and African Union ideals, both countries reaffirmed their dedication to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.
- Somalia has acknowledged Ethiopia’s need for reliable sea access, agreeing to work on bilateral commercial arrangements that would provide Ethiopia with secure maritime routes while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty.
- The countries have committed to:
- Technical talks should begin around the end of February 2025.
- Within four months, completing and signing extensive agreements
- Using Turkey as a mediator to settle possible disputes in the future
- Somalia openly acknowledged the sacrifices made by Ethiopian soldiers participating in African Union missions.
The breakthrough underscores Turkey’s growing diplomatic influence in the Horn of Africa, with President Erdogan positioning his country as a neutral mediator capable of resolving complex regional disputes.
The technical talks, which are scheduled to start in February 2025 and will specify the precise terms of Ethiopia’s maritime access under Somalia’s sovereign authority, will be the next crucial stage.
HORSEED MEDIA
