By : Lloyd Mahachi
Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni will help mediate between Ethiopia and Somalia in a dispute that threatens to destabilize the Horn of Africa region. The dispute began when Ethiopia announced plans to build a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Somaliland has struggled to gain international recognition despite governing itself and enjoying comparative peace and stability since declaring independence in 1991. The Mogadishu government is angry about Ethiopia’s plan, which could lead to Somaliland gaining recognition as an independent nation. This has drawn Somalia closer to Egypt and Eritrea, both of which have quarreled with Ethiopia in the past.
President Ruto explained that the security of Somalia is crucial to the stability of the region and the environment for investors and business people. He made the announcement at a regional heads of state summit. Several attempts to resolve the feud in Ankara, Turkey, have failed to make a breakthrough.
The office of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud confirmed that Mohamud had met with Ruto and Museveni on the sidelines of the summit. However, it did not mention a potential mediation. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s foreign minister, expressed confidence that ongoing mediation efforts by Turkey would be fruitful.
Ethiopia’s government and foreign affairs spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The dispute has raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for conflict. The mediation efforts by Kenya and Uganda are seen as a positive step towards resolving the dispute.
The Horn of Africa region has experienced several conflicts in recent years, and the dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia has the potential to destabilize the region further. The international community is watching the situation closely, and there are hopes that the mediation efforts will lead to a peaceful resolution.
The port project in Somaliland is a significant issue, as it could have major implications for the region’s economy and politics. Somaliland’s struggle for recognition as an independent nation is also a complex issue that requires careful consideration.
The mediation efforts by Kenya and Uganda are a welcome development, and there are hopes that they will lead to a peaceful resolution of the dispute. The international community must continue to support efforts to resolve the conflict peacefully and promote stability in the region.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
