Somalia-Ethiopia accord gains global praise

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Friday December 13, 2024

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (L) speaks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during Mohamud's inauguration ceremony in 2022 (Hassan Ali Elmi/AFP)

Mogadishu (HOL) — A landmark deal between Somalia and Ethiopia, brokered on December 11, 2024, by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has drawn international accolades for its potential to stabilize the Horn of Africa.

The deal has been celebrated by major global powers for reaffirming Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and fostering regional dialogue. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken welcomed the agreement, highlighting its framework for economic cooperation and mutual respect. “We look forward to technical negotiations that will ensure Ethiopia enjoys reliable, secure, and sustainable access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity,” Blinken said in a press statement.

The European Union echoed similar sentiments, with an EU spokesperson describing the agreement as a “milestone in reducing tensions and promoting regional stability.” The Gulf states, including Qatar and the UAE, also commended the deal. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described it as “an important step toward comprehensive resolution,” while the UAE expressed hope that the agreement would strengthen communication and reinforce stability in the Horn of Africa.

The agreement solidifies Türkiye’s position as a major player in the Horn of Africa. Hosting Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Erdoğan underscored Türkiye’s commitment to peace and stability.

Türkiye’s influence in Somalia has grown immensely over the past decade, with significant investments in infrastructure projects like Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport and the establishment of the TURKSOM military base.

Despite the global accolades, the Ankara Agreement has faced criticism within Somalia. Former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire described the deal as a betrayal, arguing it fails to address Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and its controversial MoU with Somaliland.

The MoU, signed in January 2024, allowed Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s Red Sea coastline in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence—a move widely condemned by Mogadishu. Many argue that the Ankara Agreement, while nullifying the MoU, does not provide explicit safeguards to prevent Ethiopia from exploiting Somalia’s internal divisions.

For Ethiopia, the Ankara Agreement is both a challenge and an opportunity. Losing the unilateral access granted by the MoU, Ethiopia now faces the prospect of complex negotiations with Mogadishu to secure maritime trade routes.

While the deal has been hailed as a triumph of diplomacy, the Ankara Agreement’s success hinges on technical negotiations set to begin in February 2025.

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