Kenya proposes maritime treaty to defuse Ethiopia-Somalia tensions

Kenya has offered Ethiopia and Somalia a maritime treaty as a solution to a standoff that sparked when Adis Ababa signed a deal with breakaway Somaliland.

Landlocked Ethiopia had signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland providing for access to the sea in return for an official recognition of the independence of the separatist region.

This has irked Somalia which ordered Ethiopia’s ambassador to leave the country and close all consular representations.

Kenya fears the build-up of tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia would further destabilize a horn of Africa that is beset with terrorism and civil-wars and instability.

Kenya’s proposal involves Djibouti and aims to organize access to the sea for landlocked countries in the region.

Ethiopia has often described access to the sea as an existential issue for the nation. The country has so far relied on a Djibouti port for imports and exports.