Ethiopia-Somalia maritime dispute, a diplomatic breakthrough in Turkish-led talks

A significant diplomatic milestone has been reached as Ethiopia and Somalia initiated their first round of technical negotiations in Ankara, addressing tensions sparked by Ethiopia’s controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland. The talks, mediated by Turkey, represent a crucial step toward resolving a dispute that has threatened regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

The negotiations, led by Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos and Somali State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar, follow December’s high-level meeting where both nations agreed to pursue dialogue. The discussions center on balancing Ethiopia’s quest for maritime access with Somalia’s territorial sovereignty, after Ethiopia’s provocative memorandum of understanding with Somaliland promised recognition in exchange for coastal access.

Turkey’s strategic role as mediator is underscored by its substantial investments in Somalia, including its largest overseas military base. The Turkish Foreign Ministry reported both delegations’ commitment to the principles outlined in the Ankara Declaration, with concrete progress toward transforming diplomatic vision into reality.

The talks hold particular significance given Ethiopia’s status as the world’s most populous landlocked nation, with over 120 million inhabitants, and Somalia’s steadfast position on Somaliland, which it considers part of its territory despite the region’s three-decade-old declaration of independence. With the next round scheduled for March, these negotiations could reshape regional dynamics while addressing longstanding territorial and maritime access issues.