It is often said that political progress requires diplomacy as much as it needs determination. Demonstrating this complex dynamic, Ethiopia and Somalia have taken significant strides toward cooperation, breathing new life into regional stability narratives. The two countries have resolved to end their disputes surrounding North Western State of Somalia’s ports, a development we have long awaited.

During an important visit last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in Mogadishu, where he engaged in substantial dialogue with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Their talks placed a strong emphasis on the security of the Horn of Africa, and a widely discussed agenda was set to initiate technical negotiations concerning Ethiopia’s access to the port facilities.

The picturesque city of Ankara played host to conversations that would later define these developments, with Turkey acting as a peace-brokering mediator. A collaborative spirit was nurtured, leading to a “mutually beneficial commercial arrangement” in which Ethiopia would earn the much-coveted sea access while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty.

“A great breakthrough often demands a synthesis of differing perspectives,” remarked Ali Mohammed Omar, Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, during an interview last week. He highlighted the continued discussions and aspired to finalize a framework agreement by June.

In pursuing this framework, essential questions arise: What type of port is most suitable? Which stretch of the Indian Ocean will become the bustling epicenter of Ethiopian trade? And, inevitably, what will be the cost implications? The answers to these questions promise further intriguing developments.

This progress is indeed noteworthy, especially considering the complex past. Ethiopia’s prior arrangements considered leasing a substantial portion of Berbera’s coastline within North Western State of Somalia, a region that acts independently despite its official position within Somalia. Such plans were crafted without Mogadishu’s consent, and unsurprisingly, they stirred up regional tensions.

To comprehend Ethiopia’s sense of urgency for port development, it’s essential to revisit 1993—a pivotal year when Eritrea’s independence rendered Ethiopia landlocked, concluding a protracted 30-year conflict. Since then, the nation has heavily relied on Djibouti’s ports, facilitated by an efficient network of roads and the 752-kilometer lifeline, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway.

However, Ethiopia, standing as one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economies, is eager to establish its footprint along the Indian Ocean. Here, a potential port could serve a dual purpose; it would not only cater to the bustling trade demands but also serve the expanding Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (ESLSE). ESLSE, with its robust current fleet of ten bulk carriers poised to expand by six, is preparing to meet Ethiopia’s mounting import and export requirements. The 2023/2024 performance report underscores ESLSE’s vitality, outlining that it handles approximately 45% of Ethiopia’s dry cargo through Djiboutian ports.