Somalia and Ethiopia held a second round of talks in Turkey on Tuesday over an issue of the MoU signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland in January 2024. The talks aimed to reduce tensions between the two countries. Turkey acted as a mediator, or middleman, during the discussions.
The talks ended without a final result. However, officials from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Turkey said the talks made progress. They expressed hope that the two countries could reach a conclusion in the future. For now, Somalia has refused access to naval bases and ports unless Ethiopia withdraws from the MoU with Somaliland.
The dispute began in January 2024, when Ethiopia signed the MoU with Somaliland. In this MoU, Ethiopia got a naval base in Somaliland for 50 years. In exchange, Ethiopia recognized Somaliland as an independent country.
Somalia strongly opposed this MoU. Somalia said the MoU violated its rights as a country. Somalia expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador and threatened to remove Ethiopian troops from Somalia.
During the talks in Turkey, the foreign ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia did not meet face-to-face. Instead, Turkey’s foreign minister met with each side separately. They discussed ways to resolve the dispute.
Turkey’s foreign minister said the talks covered more topics than the first round in July. He said the two sides agreed on some major issues. The minister said he believes Somalia and Ethiopia can reach a fair conclusion.
The foreign ministers of Somalia and Ethiopia also expressed optimism. Somalia’s minister said his country wants a conclusion that follows international law. Ethiopia’s minister said his country wants ongoing dialogue to address differences and restore normal relations.
The two countries will hold a third round of talks in Turkey in September. They hope to achieve a final result at that time.
Turkey has close ties with both Somalia and Ethiopia. Turkey has provided aid to Somalia and trained Somali security forces. Turkey began mediating the dispute after Ethiopia’s prime minister visited Turkey in May and asked for help.
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Abduraazaq shamshudin.hassan.0921153421.1326 4109 0000 1
Nobody is withdrawing from no shiiit. Establish peace
The MoU between Rep of Somaliland & Federal Rep of Ethiopia is irreversible and Somalia can do anything about it. They want to stop 🇪🇹 can they first kick out the Ethiopian army from the 3 regions they protect leaders their from Alshabab!
Somaliland is part of Somalia until the world accepts it’s cessation. So international law must be followed to the dot. Ethiopia lost the sea to Eritrea. They should make good their relationship with Ethiopia and Eritrea and there after enjoy peace and tranquility using both countries.
IIn the context, Turkey must aknowledge and understand the root cause of the horn long term conflicts.
Somaliland reclaimed its independance from Somalia due May 1991 and refrained its unity with Somalia as a result of long term resentful war with grudge.
Thus, Turkey must commence in negotiation btween the Somali Federal Government and Somaliland in fair manner. Afterwards, Turkey may holistically find mutual understanding and conflict solutions Ethio-Somali conflicts with impartiality in respect to its ties with all
concerned parts, other wise, turkey may lose its Geopolitics of the Hor of Africa
In according to international law, Ethopia was violated the tertitotrial integrity and Unity of Somalia and Must withdrawn the MOU signed with the Somaliland which is member state of Somali Federal government of Somalia