Turkey’s Mediated Discussions Between Somalia and Ethiopia Put on Hold Indefinitely

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, addressed the media alongside Egypt’s Foreign Minister during a joint press briefing in Cairo on August 5, 2024. AFP

The third round of mediation talks under the Ankara Process between Somalia and Ethiopia, originally slated for September 2, and then moved to September 17, has now been postponed indefinitely, without a new date announced, as per Turkiye Today.

Although no official explanation was provided for the delay, it follows remarks by Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. He hinted that Somalia might back Ethiopian rebel factions if Ethiopia moves forward with its contentious agreement with North Western State of Somalia.

Ink was put to paper on this deal in January 2024. The agreement entails Ethiopia recognizing North Western State of Somalia’s independence in return for a 50-year lease of 20 kilometers (12 miles) of coastline. This would grant Ethiopia, one of the world’s most significant landlocked nations, long-sought sea access.

Nonetheless, Somalia deems the agreement a violation of its territorial integrity and has threatened possible drastic actions.

“Engaging with armed rebels in Ethiopia or groups opposing the Ethiopian regime is an option Somalia might consider if Ethiopia continues down this path,” Fiqi stated.

Sources indicated that the mediation delay could also be tied to Egypt’s recent troop deployment to Somalia, Turkiye Today reported.

On August 14, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud oversaw the signing of a military cooperation agreement between their nations.

Despite the delay, the Ankara Process, aimed at nurturing dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia, retains Türkiye’s robust support. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan are actively working to mitigate the tensions between the two countries.

North Western State of Somalia remains unrecognized by Egypt, which has consistently reiterated its steadfast support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty over its territories.

The international community, including the United States, the European Union, China, the African Union, and the Arab League, has all urged Ethiopia to respect Somalia’s sovereignty.