Turkish-brokered talks lead to peace deal between Somalia and Ethiopia

Somalia and Ethiopia signed an agreement on Wednesday to resolve a nearly year-long dispute, marking a breakthrough following Turkish-mediated negotiations in Ankara.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who hosted the talks, announced the development, calling it a “historic agreement” and expressing hope for a “new beginning based on peace and cooperation” between the neighboring nations.

The agreement followed marathon negotiations involving Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Both leaders arrived in Ankara earlier on Wednesday for a third round of discussions, after two previous attempts failed to yield progress.

The conflict stemmed from Ethiopia’s January deal with Somaliland—a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia—to lease a portion of its coastline for a port and military base in exchange for recognition.

Somalia, asserting sovereignty over Somaliland, condemned the agreement as a violation of its territorial integrity. The dispute escalated into a diplomatic and military standoff, raising concerns of renewed instability in the Horn of Africa.

Ethiopia-Somalia Ankara Agreement

The signed agreement emphasizes cooperation and dialogue. According to the text, both parties committed to “resolutely move forward in cooperation towards common prosperity” while ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the sea through Somalia’s sovereign territory.

Under the terms, technical discussions are set to begin by February’s end and conclude within four months. Any unresolved issues will be addressed through dialogue, with Türkiye offering support if necessary.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Erdogan expressed optimism about the agreement. “With Ethiopia’s demands to access the sea, my brother Sheikh Mohamud will give the necessary support for accessing the sea,” he said.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the significance of the talks, stating, “Ethiopia’s desire for secure access to the sea is a peaceful venture and will benefit our neighbors… It must be seen in the spirit of cooperation, not suspicion.”

Similarly, Somali President Mohamud reaffirmed his country’s commitment to collaboration. “This agreement has put a halt to our differences. Somalia is ready to work with the Ethiopian leadership and the Ethiopian people,” he said.

Implications for the Horn of Africa

The row had previously heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa, drawing in regional powers like Egypt and Eritrea. Somalia expelled Ethiopia’s ambassador in April and excluded Ethiopian forces from the African Union’s new peacekeeping mission against Al-Shabaab, set to launch in January.

Türkiye has played a central role in mediating the conflict, hosting discussions since July. While earlier rounds of talks in Ankara yielded little progress, the latest negotiations appear to have bridged the divide between the two nations.

Erdogan praised the leaders’ willingness to resolve their differences, emphasizing Türkiye’s continued support for peace in the region. “This is a step forward not just for Ethiopia and Somalia but for stability in the Horn of Africa,” he said.

The agreement offers hope for long-term cooperation between the two countries, signaling a turning point in relations that had teetered on the brink of crisis.