Ethiopia and Somalia reach historic agreement over Somaliland Port dispute

Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved their bitter dispute over Ethiopia’s plans to build a port in the breakaway region of Somaliland following a series of talks in Turkey. The historic agreement, hailed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, paves the way for landlocked Ethiopia to gain access to the sea, a significant development in the Horn of Africa.

At a joint press conference in Ankara, Erdogan, alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, celebrated the agreement as a crucial step toward fostering peace and cooperation in the region. Both leaders expressed their commitment to respecting each other’s sovereignty, a key point in resolving tensions that have persisted since January.

The rift began earlier this year when Ethiopia signed a controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that Somalia views as part of its territory. Under the deal, Ethiopia was granted the right to lease a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland’s coastline for 50 years, with plans to establish a naval base. In return, Ethiopia was reportedly expected to recognize Somaliland’s independence, although Addis Ababa did not explicitly confirm this.

The agreement sparked outrage in Somalia, which saw Ethiopia’s actions as a challenge to its territorial integrity. The situation threatened to escalate into a wider regional conflict, particularly as Egypt, which has long had tensions with Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), sided with Somalia in the dispute.

Turkey, which has grown into a significant geopolitical player in the Horn of Africa in recent years, played a crucial role in brokering the peace deal. Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and security ties with both Ethiopia and Somalia, called the agreement a “new beginning” for the two nations. “I congratulate both my brothers for reaching this historic reconciliation with dedication and thank them for their constructive approach,” Erdogan said during the press conference.

For Somalia, the deal marks a shift in the longstanding rivalry between the two nations. President Mohamud emphasized that Somalia was “ready to work with the Ethiopian leadership and the Ethiopian people.” Prime Minister Abiy, for his part, sought to reassure Somalia that Ethiopia’s desire for secure access to the sea was not intended to threaten Somali sovereignty. He stated that the two countries had “addressed the misunderstandings” that arose from the deal and were moving forward in a spirit of cooperation.

The conflict erupted on New Year’s Day when Ethiopia signed the deal with Somaliland, leading to widespread condemnation in Somalia. While the agreement was intended to provide Ethiopia with an alternative route to the sea, it was viewed as an act of “aggression” by Somalia, which has long resisted Somaliland’s bid for international recognition.

As part of the reconciliation effort, the two countries agreed to hold further talks in February to discuss “technical issues” related to the maritime deal. They also committed to exploring “mutually beneficial commercial arrangements” that would grant Ethiopia access to the sea while maintaining Somalia’s sovereignty.

The future of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland remains uncertain. While the deal with Somaliland has not been formally abandoned, Somalia had earlier insisted on its cancellation as a condition for peace. Recent developments suggest that Somaliland’s new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, may review the deal. However, Abdullahi did not mention the agreement during his inauguration speech Thursday, leaving the situation unresolved for now.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia more than three decades ago, has long sought international recognition but has struggled to gain support from other nations, including Somalia. The region’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea has made it a valuable geopolitical asset, with both Ethiopia and Somalia seeking control of its resources.

The breakthrough agreement represents a critical turning point in the Horn of Africa, where the interplay of regional interests and power dynamics has often led to tension. With Turkey’s assistance, Ethiopia and Somalia have taken a major step toward mending relations and securing a more peaceful future for the region.