ANKARA, Turkey – In the heart of Turkey’s capital, Ankara, a fascinating chapter unfurls as technical teams from Somalia and Ethiopia convene for pivotal talks initiated by President Tayyip Erdogan’s diplomatic orchestration. This marks a continuation of the dialogue after the landmark agreement between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa, a pact imbued with promises of collaboration and mutual respect.
Daudi Aweis, Somalia’s vibrant minister for information, announced the arrival of these teams, confirming that the discussions were born out of an agreement reached last year. Why now, you ask? The road to Ankara was paved with months of simmering tension, a period defined more by discord than by dialogue.
“These talks aim to explore ways to implement the Ankara Declaration,” Aweis affirmed, while emphasizing Somalia’s steadfast commitment to nurturing peace and fortifying cooperative ties entrenched in understanding and mutual esteem. But what does fostering peace truly entail in regions often marred by strife?
The dialogue was anticipated following a significant meeting held on February 6, 2025, involving Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Gedion Timotheos, and Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, Burhanettin Duran. Timotheos had voiced Ethiopia’s dedication to bringing the Ankara Accord to fruition. It was an affirmation—the kind statesmen make with intense earnestness.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and Erdogan cemented this commitment, underscoring respect for each nation’s sovereignty and independence, nurturing a vision where unity and territorial sanctity coexist harmoniously. This rapprochement promises myriad benefits, notably Ethiopia’s dream of securing access both to and from the sea—a vital lifeline for any landlocked nation.
The agreement was also a cautious nod towards acknowledging Ethiopia’s maritime aspirations without compromising Somalia’s territorial sanctity. Leaders agreed to set aside their differences, a testament to the power of diplomacy over disruption.
Yet, history unfolded in less seamless fashion. Mogadishu had accused Addis Ababa of infringing on its territorial sanctity, following Ethiopia’s clandestine negotiations with the self-declared state of North Western State of Somalia. The crux of the matter hinged on North Western State of Somalia offering Ethiopia exclusive access to the Red Sea in exchange for recognition, a diplomatic maneuver that rattled the powers in Somalia.
In response, Somalia doubled down on its commitment to preserving its territorial integrity, signing defense agreements with Egypt and Turkey—a move that only added volatility to its strained ties with Ethiopia. However, these were calculated risks in a high-stakes game of international chess.
Amid this brew of alliances and assertions, Turkey emerged as a pivotal mediator, leveraging longstanding ties to forge a path of reconciliation. The formation of technical teams was a strategy born not just of necessity but of opportunity. Could the shared commercial interests presented by Ethiopia quell existing hostilities?
For Ethiopia, its role as a stalwart security contributor in Somalia is undeniable, evidenced by the significant troop deployments there. These endeavors speak to a legacy of involvement that transcends mere political interests, mingling with aspirations of regional stability.
Yet amid this intricate dance of diplomacy, it’s essential to remember the human stories intertwined with these political moves. One might recall the words of Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, who said, “Life is short, and we do not have too much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us.” As leaders and diplomats traverse this path, may there be wisdom in their steps and resolve in their hearts.
This episode in Ankara beckons like a new dawn, inviting the hopeful gaze of both nations and the watchful eyes of the world. Will this agreement fulfill its promise of harmony, or will it serve as just another document filed away in the annals of diplomatic trials?
Report By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
