Ethiopia and Somalia have reached a declaration following Turkish-mediated negotiations in Ankara, marking a breakthrough to resolve misunderstandings between the two nations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted the talks between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Following the conclusion of the declaration, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud issued a joint statement. Both leaders emphasized cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.
According to them, both parties committed to “resolutely move forward in cooperation towards common prosperity” while ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the sea.
Following this breakthrough, the reactions from all directions were positive and encouraging for the two countries to work more closely rather than engage in hostile statements. Ethiopia was patiently waiting for such a development because the Ethiopian government has always reiterated its cooperation stance in front of this issue arguing that it had to seek access to the sea through peaceful and diplomatic means and not engage in any form of force.
Thus President Taye Atske-Selassie was among the first to express his satisfaction about the historical agreement. He said the Ankara Declaration signed between Ethiopia and Somalia in Türkiye is the right step in forging stronger regional cooperation between the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia and the greater Horn of Africa and beyond.
President Taye said in his social media post that the Ankara Declaration is the right step in forging stronger regional cooperation between the peoples of Ethiopia and Somalia, the greater Horn of Africa, and beyond.
After the signing of the accord, Prime Minister Abiy and President Hassen Sheik Mahmoud emphasized cooperation and dialogue between the two countries.
According to them, both parties committed to “resolutely move forward in cooperation towards common prosperity” while ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the sea.
In his statement, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appreciated the government of Türkiye for its commitment to peace efforts in the Horn of Africa.
The premier said President Erdogan has taken the initiative to facilitate a series of discussions at the foreign minister level between the fraternal nations of Ethiopia and Somalia over the past few months.
Furthermore, Premier Abiy indicated these efforts have been committed in the meeting at the level of the leaders with a commitment to address misunderstandings that had transpired over the past year. He said “As neighbors, Ethiopia and Somalia have endured relations for centuries. We are not only neighbors but brothers and sisters whose fates have been bound by blood.
Not only do Ethiopians in Somalis share a common history, language, and culture, but we are also held together with the blood sacrifice that has been paid by thousands of Ethiopian soldiers in defense of the security of the state of Somalia from terrorist forces.
Abiy expressed his gratitude for the efforts of many to facilitate discussions over the past year. He noted “Ours was never the case fit for third party intervention. Rather, it was meant to be a family dialogue,”
According to the premier over the past six years, Ethiopia has asserted its commitment to regional integration, not only in words, but in tangible needs.
He also expressed his strong belief, adding that as does his government, that the growth instability of the Horn of Africa regions is promised mutual development, peace, and growth is a shared dividend.
“Allow me to assert here again, that Ethiopia’s aspiration to a secure and reliable access to the sea is a peaceful venture, and one that would benefit all our neighbors,” Abiy reaffirmed.
He further stated with the growing youth population the demand for Ethiopia’s economy warrants such access, enabling this economic dynamism and growth is then a positive undertaking with undeniable positive spillover effects to the wider horn region.
Hence, this venture must be met in the spirit of cooperation and not suspicion. He said he believed that the constructive discussions conducted between the two leaders would push us into a new year with cooperation, friendship, and the willingness to work together instead of against each other. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his part pledged to strengthen mutual relations and cooperation in all aspects. He also recognized the sacrifices of Ethiopian troops in Somalia and safeguarding his country from terrorist attacks.
He said, ”As we said here, we have recognized that the sacrifices that Ethiopian forces made in Somalia within the African Union peacekeeping missions, many, many years in the past, that shows how much our people are interlinking, and we will keep continuing on that besides that, Ethiopia and Somalia have so many commonalities than differences.
The President also pledged to do everything that moves forward and peacefully benefits both people. He said, “Our region needs our cooperation. The Horn of Africa is a very fertile, very volatile region, which needs both Ethiopia and Somalia to work together to provide a mutual benefit for both our countries, our people, and the people of the region as well.”
In the wake of this historical agreement, the United Nations, the United States, the UK, Germany, Qatar, UAE, and other countries have welcomed the December 11 Declaration between Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirming each country’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity and advancing cooperation on shared interests.
The “Ankara Declaration” was signed by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud under the auspices of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Turkiye. The countries, in their respective statements, have acknowledged the role of Türkiye in facilitating the negotiations.
The United States welcomes the December 11 Ankara Declaration between Ethiopia and Somalia reaffirming each country’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.
“We look forward to technical negotiations to permit Ethiopia to enjoy reliable, secure, and sustainable access to the sea for mutual economic benefit while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity,” says a statement from the US Department of State.
“Ongoing dialogue and engagement are essential for a stable and prosperous future for Ethiopia and Somalia. The statement adds the US Department of State revealed that America encouraged the agreement between the two countries that will advance cooperation on shared interests. The US also appreciates the leadership of Türkiye in facilitating this Declaration.
It added ongoing dialogue and engagement are essential for a stable and prosperous future for Ethiopia and Somalia.
“We encourage Ethiopia and Somalia to intensify their cooperation on mutual security interests, particularly the fight against al-Shabaab, and look forward to continuing our close bilateral cooperation with both nations” the statement underscored.
Similarly, the United Kingdom (UK) has welcomed the agreement reached between Ethiopia and Somalia, reaffirming their commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In its statement, the UK has affirmed support in all steps to promote cooperation, stability, development, and shared prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
“We welcome Türkiye’s mediation and the participation from all sides which has led to this agreement,” the statement noted.
The UK, as a long-standing partner in the region, has also pledged to continue to work closely with Ethiopia and Somalia, including Somaliland, in the pursuit of these objectives.
The African Union as well as among those bodies that hailed the agreement with interest always wants problems among fellow members of the continental body should always be settled peacefully in a brotherly manner. Africa has had enough of conflicts and it is high time that it focuses on how to develop the countries and improve the lives of their populations.
Hence, the African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, the EU, and IGAD have all individually expressed their satisfaction about this watershed event and thanked with appreciation the role of all those who facilitated the Ankara Declaration signed between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of Somalia.
In his statement, the Chairperson of the Commission welcomed this important act of high responsibility on the part of the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia.
He strongly encouraged them to implement, without delay, the relevant measures adopted.
The Chairperson further congratulated President Tayyip Erdogan for his support to the two parties in their shared commitment to resolve their differences through consultation and dialogue, in the best interests of their countries and peoples.
In another development, the European Union also welcomed the declaration. In a statement issued Thursday, the EU said this agreement reflects the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in de-escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.
In its official statement communicated via its website, the European Union (EU) welcomed the declaration between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Federal Republic of Somalia.
In that regard, the Diplomatic Service of the European Union noted that this agreement reflects the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in de-escalating misunderstandings in the Horn of Africa. In its statement, the European Union said it reiterates its support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of both countries under principles enshrined in international law.
The EU also recognized the role played by the Republic of Türkiye in achieving this agreement and said it stands ready to support further efforts by the parties involved, continuing our involvement in mediation efforts.
Similarly, IGAD has welcomed the peace deal with the Executive Secretary Workneh Gebeyehu having commended the landmark Ankara Agreement reached between the two East African nations.
In its official statement, IGAD underscored that this significant accord marks a substantial step towards strengthening the long-standing social fabric between the two sisterly nations and demonstrates a commitment to resolving bilateral issues amicably. Workneh praised the leaders of both countries for their constructive engagement and spirit of cooperation.
He further emphasized the importance of such diplomatic efforts in addressing shared challenges and fostering stability and prosperity in the Horn of Africa.
Furthermore, Workneh expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for his instrumental role in hosting and facilitating the discussions.
He acknowledged President Erdoğan’s dedication to diplomacy and regional collaboration as a crucial factor in realizing this important milestone.
He added that IGAD remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting its Member States in their pursuit of sustainable solutions through dialogue, partnership, and cooperation.
Ethiopia expects brighter days in its relations with all neighboring countries as it is one of the pillars of its diplomacy.
BY FITSUM GETACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 2024
