According to a statement released after talks in Turkey, Ethiopia and Somalia decided to hold “technical talks” on Wednesday to settle a disagreement that was triggered by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. Since Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding in January to lease land along Somaliland’s coastline in order to establish a marine force base, tensions between the two east African nations have been simmering, and Turkey has been mediating between them. Ethiopia would acknowledge Somaliland’s independence in exchange, which Somalia claims violates its territorial integrity and sovereignty. This “historic agreement” was referred to by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who also expressed his hope that the agreement would be “the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia.”

According to the agreement announced by Turkey, close cooperation on bilateral agreements and commercial arrangements would ensure Ethiopia’s “reliable, safe, and sustainable access” to the sea “under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” Technical talks between the two countries would begin by the end of February 2025, be completed in four months, and potentially involve Turkey to settle any disagreements in order to make that feasible.

According to PM Abiy, such access is justified by Ethiopia’s growing population and economic needs, enabling economic growth and dynamism that will surely benefit the wider Horn of Africa. Therefore, it is a venture that should be approached cooperatively rather than suspiciously. The constructive discussions we had today, in my opinion, will help us advance into the upcoming year by encouraging camaraderie, collaboration, and a desire to work together. and not in conflict with each other.
“We acknowledge that the sacrifices made by Ethiopian forces in Somalia during African Union peacekeeping missions many, many years ago demonstrate how close our people are, and we will continue to do so, as we have stated here,” the president of Somalia stated.