Qatar's Sheikh Tamim Engages Somali and Ethiopian Leaders Amid Red Sea Deal Dispute"

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, recently held separate phone conversations with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed amid escalating tensions between the two neighboring countries. The discussions were centered around a controversial deal that Ethiopia reached with the breakaway region of Somaliland earlier this year, which granted Ethiopia access to the Red Sea.

The agreement, signed in January, has been a source of contention between Somalia and Ethiopia. Somalia has strongly opposed the deal, arguing that it infringes on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ethiopia, on the other hand, views the agreement as a strategic move to secure access to the Red Sea, which is crucial for its economic interests.

During the phone talks, Sheikh Tamim emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute through dialogue and peaceful means. He expressed Qatar's readiness to support any efforts aimed at de-escalating the tensions and finding a mutually acceptable solution.

The emir's conversations with the Somali and Ethiopian leaders come at a critical time, as the dispute over the Red Sea deal threatens to further destabilize an already volatile region. The Horn of Africa has been plagued by conflicts, terrorism, and political instability, and any escalation of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia could have far-reaching consequences.

The international community has also expressed concerns over the deal and its potential impact on regional stability. The African Union, the United States, and several Arab countries have called for calm and urged the parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute.

Qatar, a key player in the region, has been actively involved in mediation efforts and has played a significant role in facilitating negotiations between conflicting parties. Sheikh Tamim's phone talks with President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are seen as part of Qatar's efforts to defuse tensions and promote dialogue between the two countries.

As the situation remains fluid, the outcome of the emir's conversations and the potential for further diplomatic engagement will be closely watched. The international community hopes that Qatar's mediation efforts will help pave the way for a peaceful resolution of the dispute and prevent further escalation of tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

GAROWE ONLINE