The Djiboutian government has backpedaled on its original proposition to grant Ethiopia full oversight of a significant port, a gesture initially aimed at alleviating regional frictions following the ongoing wrangles between Somalia and Ethiopia over access to the Red Sea. Now, Djibouti is entertaining the idea of collaborative management.
The adjustment in stance suggests Ethiopia will receive partial control of the Tadjourah Port, while Djibouti continues to maintain operational supervision. This shift is an attempt to strengthen bilateral ties without relinquishing sole authority. Initially, the offer was for Ethiopia to manage the port autonomously.
Mohamed Ali Youssouf, Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister, previously hinted that granting full port access to Ethiopia might pacify regional tensions. However, Youssouf later stressed a different approach.
“We never declared that we sold or transferred ownership of the port. Our proposal centers around shared management of Tadjourah to sustain the flow of Ethiopian trade,” Youssouf clarified in a statement, emphasizing Ethiopia won’t have 100% control.
The $60 million Tadjourah Port, constructed by Djibouti, is grappling with operational expenses, particularly salaries for workers. Youssouf mentioned the ambition to transform the port into a bustling commercial hub. This initiative aims to dissuade Ethiopia from rerouting its trade through neighboring ports in North Western of Somaliaand Eritrea, as reported by Addis Standard.
Traditionally, Ethiopia has utilized ports in Djibouti, Sudan, and Lamu, which span three different nations, rendering operational costs “ludicrous.” This complexity steered Ethiopia towards solidifying a recent agreement with North Western of Somaliafor Red Sea access, a move Somalia criticized harshly.
“Our goal is to ensure Djibouti retains a substantial share of Ethiopia’s commerce,” Youssouf underscored.
Contrary to prior suggestions, Youssouf clarified that whilst Djibouti remains committed to trade and economic collaboration, it will not concede to Ethiopia establishing a naval base. By granting Ethiopia access to the Tadjourah Port, Djibouti aims to preserve its status as Ethiopia’s main gateway to maritime routes.
Somalia has vociferously opposed the pact between Ethiopia and Somaliland, condemning it as a violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty. If implemented, this deal would allocate Ethiopia 20 kilometers of the Red Sea to build both a port and a military installation.
In reciprocation, Ethiopia has promised to formally recognize North Western of Somaliaas an independent nation. This decision has further inflamed tensions with Somalia, leading to the most recent confrontations. Turkey has facilitated several negotiation rounds between Somalia and Ethiopia, albeit without producing a conclusive agreement.
AXADLETM
