By : Lloyd Mahachi
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently held separate meetings in Ankara with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. These meetings are part of Erdogan’s ongoing efforts to mediate a contentious dispute over Somaliland, a self-declared independent region claimed by Somalia.
The disagreement escalated earlier this year when Ethiopia announced plans to develop a port in Somaliland, a move Somalia vehemently opposes due to its claim of sovereignty over the region. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has not gained international recognition but operates with de facto autonomy.
Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, is seeking access to Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for potentially recognizing Somaliland’s independence—an arrangement Somalia strongly rejects. The dispute has heightened tensions between the two neighbors, with Somalia expelling Ethiopia’s ambassador and threatening to withdraw Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia.
Mediation Efforts Led by Turkey
Erdogan’s meetings aimed to de-escalate these tensions and pave the way for a peaceful resolution. According to Somalia’s national broadcaster SNTV, Erdogan and Sheikh Mohamud discussed enhancing bilateral ties and reviving dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia under Turkish mediation. Turkey previously facilitated two rounds of talks, but a third round was canceled amid rising hostilities.
Erdogan’s mediation efforts come at a critical juncture for the Horn of Africa, a region already fraught with geopolitical rivalries. Neighboring nations, including Egypt and Eritrea, have expressed interest in the outcome due to their own disputes with Ethiopia over resources and territorial issues.
Turkey’s Strategic Role
Turkey maintains strong ties with both Somalia and Ethiopia. It has provided military training to Somalia’s security forces and significant development aid in exchange for strategic access to vital shipping routes. Resolving the Somaliland dispute would enhance regional stability and support Turkey’s broader economic and geopolitical interests.
Erdogan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution underscores Turkey’s role as a mediator in African conflicts. His approach seeks to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both Somalia and Ethiopia, fostering trust between the parties.
Regional and Global Implications
The international community is closely monitoring Erdogan’s efforts, hopeful that his intervention can yield a breakthrough. A peaceful resolution would benefit all stakeholders by enhancing trade, investment, and stability in the Horn of Africa. For Somalia, it could reaffirm its territorial claims, while Ethiopia could secure much-needed access to the sea.
Erdogan’s leadership in these talks is viewed as a positive development, demonstrating the potential of diplomacy to address long-standing conflicts. A successful resolution would mark a significant achievement for Turkey’s foreign policy and contribute to peace in a volatile region.
The Road Ahead
While the Somaliland dispute is deeply rooted in history and complexity, Erdogan’s involvement offers a renewed chance for dialogue. The international community remains hopeful that Turkey’s mediation efforts can bring Somalia and Ethiopia closer to a mutually beneficial solution.
As negotiations continue, the region—and the world—awaits the outcome with cautious optimism. A peaceful resolution would not only stabilize the Horn of Africa but also serve as a model for resolving other protracted disputes through diplomacy.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
