Ethiopia-Somalia pact shows trust built by Türkiye, creating stability in Horn of Africa: Ethiopian expert

By Sadik Kedir Abdu

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – The "historic" agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, brokered by Türkiye, is poised to stabilize the region, as both nations are key political forces in the Horn of Africa, a political analyst told Anadolu on Thursday.

“The pact reflects the deep trust and strong ties Türkiye has cultivated with both nations, marking a significant step toward regional harmony,” said Ibrahim Mulushewa, regional political analyst and CEO of the Center for Regional Integration Studies, in an interview with Anadolu.

The two East African countries have been at odds since Ethiopia struck a deal with Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland on Jan. 1 to use its Red Sea port of Berbera. Türkiye has been working to end tensions between the two countries.

"Ethiopia and Somalia are key players whose instability has the potential to destabilize the entire region," Mulushewa noted.

He stressed that the agreement showcases Türkiye's growing influence as a peace facilitator and its commitment to fostering collaboration between nations in conflict.

The deal, coming amidst longstanding tensions, is expected to open the door to enhanced security, cooperation, and development.

"Successfully mediating an agreement between these two countries signifies a crucial step toward fostering peace and stability across the region," Mulushewa stressed.

According to Mulushewa, the agreement is anticipated to have wide-ranging implications, inspiring further cooperation among neighboring nations and establishing a precedent for resolving disputes through dialogue and mutual respect.

“Some might use diplomatic relations to create destabilization among nations antagonizing them; however, Türkiye has used its good relations to foster peace,” he said, noting that the negotiation also signifies the trust and respect both countries have for Türkiye.

“We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a joint press conference Wednesday in Ankara. He hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to finalize the accord.

Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have simmered for decades. In January, Ethiopia's deal with Somaliland—a breakaway Somali region—to use its Red Sea port of Berbera intensified discord. Türkiye has been actively mediating to resolve these issues.

The leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia, in a joint statement, said the Ankara Declaration “reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity,” according to Türkiye's Communications Directorate.

“They agreed, within a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, to forgo and leave behind differences and contentious issues, and forge ahead cooperatively to pursue shared prosperity," the statement added.

Mulushewa called the agreement a pivotal moment for the Horn of Africa, highlighting Türkiye’s effective diplomacy and its role as a trusted partner in fostering peace and stability in the region.