Ethiopia and Somalia agreed on Wednesday to hold “technical talks” to resolve a dispute sparked by Ethiopia’s deal with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland, according to a statement following talks in Turkey.
Turkey has been mediating between the two east African countries as tensions between them have simmered since Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January to lease land along its coastline to establish a marine force base. In return, Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland’s independence, which Somalia says infringes on its sovereignty and territory.
A joint declaration was reached after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met separately with Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday.
It says the sides agreed the talks, which would begin by February 2025 and conclude within four months, would respect Somalia’s territorial integrity while recognizing “potential benefits” of Ethiopia’s access to the sea.
The declaration also states that the sides would work to “finalize mutually advantageous commercial arrangements” that would allow Ethiopia “to enjoy reliable, secure and sustainable access to and from the sea, under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somaliland seceded from Somalia more than 30 years ago, but is not recognized by the African Union or the United Nations as an independent state. Somalia still considers Somaliland part of its territory.
Over the years, Somaliland has built a stable political environment, contrasting sharply with Somalia’s ongoing struggles with insecurity amid deadly attacks by al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab. In November, Somaliland held a presidential election that gave a boost for its push for international recognition.
With a population estimated at over 120 million, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world.
Turkey has previously hosted two rounds of talks between the African nations’ foreign ministers but a third round, expected in September, was delayed, raising concerns of escalating tensions.
Erdogan, flanked by Mohamud and Abiy, told reporters at a late-night news conference in the Turkish capital, Ankara, that the sides have reached an “important stage” in efforts to solve their dispute. The joint declaration, Erdogan said, focuses “on the future and not the past.”
“By overcoming some resentments and misunderstandings, we have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” Erdogan continued. He also said he hoped Somalia would take steps to give Ethiopia sea access.
“Allow me to assert here again that Ethiopia’s aspiration for secure access to the sea is a peaceful venture and one that would benefit all our neighbours,” said the Ethiopian prime minister. “I believe that today’s constructive discussions will push us into a new year with this spirit of cooperation, friendship and the willingness to work together instead of against each other.”
Mohamud said: “The Horn of Africa is a very fragile and very volatile region, which needs both Ethiopia and Somalia to work together in order to provide in mutual benefit for both our countries.”
Turkey has forged close ties with Somalia, and recently also signed deals toward cooperation in defence and oil and gas exploration. It also has economic and trade ties with Ethiopia.
A Somaliland opposition leader who had been critical of the memorandum with Ethiopia, won a presidential election there last month and is set to be inaugurated on Thursday.