Ethiopia and Somalia dispute prompts Kenya and Uganda to intervene
- Kenyan President William Ruto announced plans for mediation between Ethiopia and Somalia over territorial disputes.
- The dispute centers around Ethiopia's intention to build a port in Somaliland, which is not recognized by the Somali government.
- Efforts to resolve the disagreement have previously failed, emphasizing regional tensions and the need for stability.
On November 30, 2024, in an effort to address a growing regional tension, the President of Kenya, William Ruto, announced that he and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni would assist in mediating a dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia. The friction arose after Ethiopia's plan to construct a port in the contested region of Somaliland, which is seeking to establish recognition of its sovereignty, was met with objections from the central Somali government in Mogadishu. The port initiative has implications for several regional dynamics, especially given Ethiopia's prolonged military presence in Somalia, where it has been combating al-Qaida-affiliated insurgents. The relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia has been historically complex and has seen shifts influenced by external actors such as Egypt and Eritrea, particularly in light of ongoing disagreements regarding the Nile dam project. This development represents a significant diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilizing the area, as both Kenyan and Ugandan leaders have underscored the importance of Somalia’s security for the overall stability of the East African region. Multiple prior attempts at resolution, including discussions held in Ankara, Turkey, have not led to a successful outcome, highlighting the difficulties in reaching a consensus. As regional tensions increase over this matter, the role of Kenya and Uganda as mediators may prove critical in averting further conflict and fostering a cooperative approach to governance in the region.