We shall implement Ankara deal, Ethiopia says

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia says it has no intention of violating the Ankara peace deal, just a day after Somalia accused the country of violating its territorial integrity and sovereignty, in what could trigger tensions in the Horn of Africa region.

Mesganu Arga, the state minister for Foreign Affairs, said the country is “committed to fully implement” the Ankara Agreement following discussions with a Somali delegation led by Ali Omar, Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Somalia had accused Ethiopia of deploying troops to Dolow town, leading to clashes between the Somali National Army and Jubaland regional forces which had a backup from the Ethiopian troops. Ethiopia now says it has no intention of deploying troops in the contested area.

A delegation from Somalia had visited Ethiopia on matters of bilateral ties. Mesganu noted that the relationship between the two countries remains cordial and seamless despite the agreement signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

The Ankara Declaration, signed in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, reaffirmed “respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity,” according to the joint statement.

At Addis Ababa, both delegation “expressed their commitment to maintaining continuity in their discussions to implement the agreement effectively and strengthen bilateral ties,” as reported by state media.

Ambassador Mesganu emphasized that “peace in Somalia is peace for Ethiopia” and highlighted the importance of collaboration to ensure sustainable peace, combat terrorism, and maintain stability.

Ali Omar described the discussions as “fruitful” and reiterated Somalia’s commitment to implementing the Ankara Agreement to deepen cooperation with Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the troops contributing nations to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

GAROWE ONLINE