Ethiopia and Somalia clash over Somaliland as talks begin

In December 2024, Ethiopia and Somalia, two East African nations, agreed to hold technical talks after a prolonged dispute escalated due to Ethiopia's lease of land in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. The agreement was reached during discussions in Turkey, mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who emphasized the importance of moving forward peacefully and collaboratively. Ethiopia's memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January sparked tension, as Somalia deemed it a violation of its territorial integrity. Both leaders expressed a commitment to resolving the issues while acknowledging the need to respect Somalia's sovereignty and potential Ethiopian access to the sea. This situation is particularly critical as Somaliland, despite its self-declared independence over 30 years ago, has not received recognition from the African Union or the United Nations. The joint declaration includes provisions for talks to begin by February 2025 and to conclude within four months. The discussions aim to facilitate conditions under which Ethiopia can gain secure access to maritime routes without infringing on Somalia's claims to Somaliland. This agreement comes after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud met separately with Erdogan, who reported that significant steps had been taken toward resolving their historical grievances. Both countries recognize the Horn of Africa's fragile geopolitical landscape and the importance of collaboration to ensure stability and mutual benefits. Turkey's involvement in mediating the talks highlights its strategic interest in the region, having previously forged strong ties with Somalia and engaged in various economic collaborations with Ethiopia. The presence of al-Shabab, a militant group linked to al-Qaida, further complicates the security dynamics in Somalia, impacting Somaliland as well. The last presidential election in Somaliland in November indicated a push for international recognition, which remains a significant point of contention in the ongoing discussions. Erdogan encouraged Somalia to consider provisions allowing Ethiopia access to the sea as part of facilitating these negotiations. Both leaders communicated an optimistic outlook on future cooperation, crucial for the peace and stability of the region. In summary, the progress made during these discussions reflects a potential shift in the relationship dynamics between Ethiopia and Somalia. Importantly, the resolution of the Somaliland dispute is viewed not only as a bilateral concern but also as a key factor in enhancing regional security and economic cooperation. Recognition of the historical and ongoing complexities inherent in these discussions is vital to understanding the future trajectory of relations in the Horn of Africa.