Somalia signs peace deal with Ethiopia in Turkey under Erdogan's mediation 

ANKARA, Turkey - After 10 months of diplomatic tensions within the Horn of Africa, Somalia and Ethiopia committed to a peace deal that effectively ends the standoff between the countries, in what could prove to be a vital reprieve in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Dubbed the Ankara Declaration, the deal was penned shortly after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held talks separately with Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud before the trio witnessed the final product.

Under the new Turkish-brokered deal, both countries agreed to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of either side in compliance with various international laws and the principles of the African Union.

“We agree to forgo and leave behind differences and contentious issues,” the declaration stated, vowing to pursue shared prosperity through cooperation and business models powered by mutual agreements and relationships.

With both parties agreeing that Ethiopia's quest to access the sea could offer 'diverse' benefits, such arrangements would be made official concerning Somalia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

To effectively tackle the problem, technical negotiations are set to begin by February 2025 and conclude within four months, to finalize arrangements that include bilateral agreements for access under Somalia’s sovereign authority.

The statement also recognized the contributions of Ethiopian soldiers to the African Union missions in Somalia. “Somalia acknowledges the sacrifices made by Ethiopian soldiers,” the declaration noted, underscoring the depth of their partnership.

Ethiopia is a major contributor of troops under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) but Somalia had ruled out its chances under the much anticipated African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) where it had selected Egypt as the mission lead.

“We express our appreciation to Türkiye and President Erdoğan for this initiative and their ongoing commitment to the process,” the declaration read, with both sides welcoming Türkiye’s continued support in implementing the commitments and resolving any future differences through dialogue.

Analysts say the agreement is a critical step toward enhanced regional stability and economic collaboration in the Horn of Africa.

Tensions started building up after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. If implemented, the agreement would grant Somaliland 20 kilometers of access to the Red Sea for the construction of a military base and port.

In return, Ethiopia was to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state an act termed by Somalia as an affront to its 'territorial integrity and sovereignty'. This came at the time both countries were involved in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

The latest events could significantly alter Somalia’s foreign policy, which had been drafted to the detriment of Addis Ababa. This also means Ethiopia would still take part in the AUSSOM, which starts in January, as the region strategies on eliminating Shabaab.

Most importantly, the new arrangements come at a time when Somaliland is undergoing transition following the November 13th elections in which Kulmiye party leader Muse Bihi Abdi lost to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi alias Irro, the opposition leader.

GAROWE ONLINE