Ethiopia and Somalia to resolve contentious Somaliland dispute through talks

In a significant development for Eastern Africa, Somalia and Ethiopia have resolved a long-standing dispute relating to Ethiopia's access to the sea. Following tense relations over Ethiopia's deal with the breakaway region of Somaliland for maritime access in January, talks mediated by Turkey culminated in a joint declaration on December 11, 2024. This agreement emphasizes Ethiopia's need for reliable and sustainable sea access under Somalia's sovereign authority, while also respecting Somalia's territorial integrity. The growing tensions following Ethiopia's deal with Somaliland had raised alarms internationally, given that Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia over three decades ago but remains unrecognized by major international bodies. Both countries have had strained relations, and the agreement marks a shift towards cooperation, with Ethiopia now obtaining formal recognition of its aspirations for maritime access. Turkey's involvement and mediation reflect its strategic interest in enhancing political stability in the region. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed support for this new accord, stating an expectation for further technical discussions to establish how Ethiopia will access the sea while safeguarding Somalia’s sovereign rights. The joint accord is viewed as a positive step amidst a backdrop of political unrest and military tensions in the region, which threatens to destabilize both nations further. As the two countries move forward, the importance of overcoming mutual misunderstandings and establishing a cooperative framework cannot be overstated. Potential benefits from regional collaboration promise not only to enhance economic ties but to also create a more stable and peaceful outlook for both Somalia and Ethiopia, contributing significantly to reducing regional volatility.