ANKARA, Turkey — Somalia and Ethiopia have agreed to hold “technical talks” to resolve a long-standing dispute over the breakaway region of Somaliland, according to a joint declaration following talks mediated by Turkey.
The agreement was reached after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud engaged in discussions hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.
The dispute escalated when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, which Somalia considers part of its territory, for access to the sea in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. This deal has been a point of contention, with Somalia rejecting it as an infringement on its sovereignty.
The joint declaration outlines that the talks will begin by February 2025 and are expected to conclude within four months. It emphasizes respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity while acknowledging potential benefits for Ethiopia’s sea access.
The leaders expressed optimism about the future relationship between the two countries, with Erdogan describing the agreement as focusing “on the future and not the past.” The agreement is seen as a step towards peace and cooperation in the Horn of Africa region.
