Ethiopia and Somalia Reach Agreement to Settle Somaliland Port Dispute

Ethiopia and Somalia engage in groundbreaking talks to ease tensions over Somaliland’s port, a pivotal step towards regional stability.

Ethiopia and Somalia have taken significant strides toward resolving their contentious dispute over a proposed maritime port in Somaliland after discussions facilitated by Turkish officials in Ankara. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan heralded the agreement as a "historic reconciliation," emphasizing its potential to open access to the coast for landlocked Ethiopia.

At a joint press conference, Erdogan celebrated the unity displayed as he held hands with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Both leaders committed to honoring one another's sovereignty, marking a newfound era of cooperation between the neighboring nations.

This diplomatic breakthrough comes on the heels of rising tensions that erupted earlier this year when Ethiopia inked a deal with Somaliland to construct a naval base on a 20-kilometer stretch of its coast. Somalia interpreted this agreement as a challenge to its territorial integrity, leading to fears of escalating conflict in the region - a concern further complicated by Egypt's support for Somalia, reacting to Ethiopia's Nile dam initiatives.

Erdogan noted that the agreement should be regarded as a first step toward a more harmonious relationship. He expressed gratitude to both leaders for their willingness to engage constructively, while President Mohamud affirmed Somalia's readiness to collaborate with Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy addressed concerns by stating that Ethiopia’s pursuit of a maritime route would not infringe on Somalia's rights, acknowledging previously misrepresented misunderstandings.

The arching feud was kindled on January 1st when the maritime agreement was formed, which, while reportedly granting recognition of Somaliland's independence by Ethiopia, was never explicitly acknowledged. Somalia has long deemed Somaliland a portion of its territory, despite Somaliland declaring independence over thirty years ago and consistently pursuing international recognition.

According to a jointly issued declaration, Ethiopia and Somalia will further their discussions in February to explore "technical talks" aimed at forging mutually advantageous commercial arrangements that affirm Ethiopia's access to the sea while upholding Somali sovereignty. The fate of the original maritime agreement with Somaliland remains uncertain, a topic that may need reassessment following Somaliland's recent presidential elections and transitioning leadership.

Strategically positioned at the confluence of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, Somaliland's political and economic dynamics continue to attract regional interest and influence. With Turkey emerging as a crucial diplomatic partner in the Horn of Africa, the pathway toward a peaceful resolution and collaborative regional governance seems increasingly plausible.