African Union Applauds Summit Between Somali and Ethiopian Leaders After Ankara Agreement

In the ever-evolving landscape of international diplomacy, few stories capture the essence of persistence and collaboration quite like the tale of Ethiopia and Somalia’s rapprochement. This journey toward reconciliation, marked by the Ankara Declaration, has all the elements of a gripping drama with a cast of influential characters set against the backdrop of regional power dynamics.

Let’s rewind to last December when the bustling city of Ankara took center stage—as polished Turkish officials buzzed around the opulent rooms of power, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmaajo, found themselves under the same gilded chandelier. Hosting this delegation with his characteristic flair was none other than Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It was here in Ankara, amidst the charming chaos of an unusually mild Turkish winter, that these leaders etched their signatures onto what would be known as the Ankara Declaration.

So, what exactly does this declaration signify? In the words of Souef, who dons many hats including that of the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia, the agreement signified a “renewed focus on enhancing diplomatic ties, strengthening security cooperation, and promoting economic integration.” Simply put, it was a monumental step towards not just easing tensions, but lighting the path to lasting peace and prosperity in the region.

Fast forward to their recent rendezvous in the vibrant halls of Addis Ababa, and the air was practically crackling with anticipation. Both leaders emerged with a bold proclamation: bilateral relations would be fully restored and further fortified with a full diplomatic presence in the heart of each other’s capitals. This declared end to the year-long standoff wasn’t just a diplomatic formality—it was a pledge to start anew.

But, as with any compelling narrative, there’s always an intriguing backstory. Rewind the clock just a bit more, and you’ll find yourself in January 2024, in the early days of a saga that has its roots in a breech of trust that befell the two nations. The source of tension was none other than a strategic deal Ethiopia inked with North Western State of Somalia—a breakaway region of Somalia—to make use of the Red Sea port of Berbera. This deal, seen by Somalia as a thorn in its side, became the proverbial pebble that threatened to overturn the whole diplomatic cart.

Yet, like an astute mediator stepping between feuding family members, Türkiye played the role of the wise counselor—not merely by virtue of bilateral agreements simmering over Turkish tea but through proactive engagement. As a nation accustomed to straddling East and West, Türkiye’s nuanced approach helped bridge the divide and smooth over the diplomatic ruffles between Ethiopia and Somalia.

Now, if this were a movie, it might be about time for a heartwarming montage—a sequence of handshakes, construction sites bustling with new projects as cranes dance against the city skies, and children learning in classrooms funded by newfound peace. But in real life, while the groundwork is laid, the journey to lasting kumbaya demands more than just signed pieces of paper.

The restoration of full diplomatic representation is a cornerstone, no doubt. Still, it is the everyday decisions—the wrinkles ironed out over shared tables, the barriers broken down through candid conversations—that truly build and maintain peace. How will these nations navigate future disagreements when the stakes are inevitably high? Will they stay steadfast on this new path of cooperation?

Human history offers no shortage of lessons where friendships have cooled or rekindled based on national interests. However, history also shows that resilience and a spirit of collaboration can lead to incredible progress. In this light, the Ethiopia-Somalia reconciliation isn’t just a headline—it’s a beacon of hope, illuminating the potential of dialogue over discord.

In the grand tapestry of global affairs, the Ankara talks and subsequent resolutions are threads weaving a narrative not just for Ethiopia and Somalia, but for a world watching closely—a testament to the power of communication, compromise, and cooperation.

Report By Axadle.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

Axadle international–Monitoring