Ethiopia-Somalia Agreement: AU Commission hails “significant milestone” brokered by Turkey
President of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, praised on December 12, 2024, a communiqué signed the previous day by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The agreement, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, represents a crucial step toward resolving longstanding tensions between the two East African neighbors, Moussa Faki Mahamat said.
The agreement follows a January 2024 memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland, in which Addis Ababa sought access to the sea through Somaliland while implicitly recognizing its independence. This move heightened tensions with Somalia, which considers Somaliland an integral part of its sovereign territory.
Moussa Faki Mahamat described the agreement as an “important act of high responsibility,” commending both leaders for their commitment to “abandon differences of opinion and contentious issues.” He urged Ethiopia and Somalia to fully implement the agreement.
The historic deal was announced on December 11 during a joint press conference in Turkey. According to the agreement text published by Turkish authorities, Somalia and Ethiopia pledged to strengthen cooperation for mutual prosperity, emphasizing trade and bilateral relations. A key provision ensures Ethiopia “reliable, safe, and sustainable access” to the sea, operating “under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
To operationalize the agreement, technical discussions will commence by the end of February 2025, with a four-month timeline for completion. Any unresolved matters will be addressed through dialogue, with Turkey offering to mediate if necessary.
The agreement, hailed as a turning point, aims to reshape regional relations, enhance economic collaboration, and solidify bilateral ties in East Africa.
The United States also welcomed the breakthrough. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded the accord on December 12, emphasizing that it “reaffirms the sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity of each country while advancing cooperation on shared interests.” Blinken urged Somalia and Ethiopia to “intensify their cooperation” as they work toward implementing the agreement.
