Sunday August 4, 2024
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is warmly greeted by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali in Addis Ababa, as Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie looks on. Credit: Turkish MFA.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is visiting Ethiopia to address rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, sparked by a controversial port deal between Ethiopia and Somaliland. His visit underscores Turkey's role as a regional mediator, aiming to foster broader regional peace and strengthen bilateral relations.
On July 1, Turkey facilitated talks in Ankara between Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske-Selassie and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi. The discussions focused on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on January 1 between Ethiopia and Somaliland. This agreement grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland's ports in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's independence, a move Somalia rejects as a violation of its sovereignty. Somalia confirmed that it was not in direct talks with Ethiopia.
A second round of talks is scheduled for September 2 in Ankara. The aim is to build on the initial discussions and find mutually acceptable solutions.
The MoU has significantly strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. In response to the agreement, Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador and threatened to remove Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia. Somalia has also accused Ethiopia of circulating illegal arms within its borders, further escalating tensions.
Turkey has maintained a significant presence in Somalia, highlighted by its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu. Since President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's visit in 2011, Turkey has been a crucial ally to Somalia, providing development assistance, training security forces, and supporting infrastructure projects. A defence pact signed in February 2024 between Turkey and Somalia includes provisions for Turkish naval forces to train Somali naval personnel, enhancing maritime security. Turkey plans to begin exploring Somalia's offshore oil blocks within weeks, according to its energy minsiter.
Turkey's diplomatic relations with Ethiopia date back to 1896. Trade between the two countries reached $345 million in 2023, with ambitions to hit $1 billion in the next five years. Turkey is a significant investor in Ethiopia, ranking among the top foreign investors.
Turkey's involvement in Somalia extends beyond military support. Turkish companies manage Mogadishu's airport and seaport, and Turkey has invested heavily in education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects in Somalia. These efforts have positioned Turkey as a vital ally to Somalia while maintaining strong diplomatic and economic ties with Ethiopia.
The Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU and subsequent disputes have broader implications for regional stability. Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but is still internationally recognized as part of Somalia, has been at the center of these tensions. The self-decdlared republic has stated that Turkish naval forces are not permitted to operate of its coast. Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland complicates the regional dynamics and challenges Somalia's territorial claims.