Recently, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met with Turkish President Erdoğan in Ankara to boost bilateral ties and address regional concerns. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia, with talks mediated by Turkey over a disputed port deal remaining stalled. The controversy centers on Ethiopia’s January 2024 agreement with Somaliland, granting it coastal access in exchange for backing Somaliland’s bid for international recognition—an arrangement Somalia views as a breach of its sovereignty. While the talks initially de-escalated tensions, tensions are rising again. Earlier this month, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterated his nation’s need for sea access, prompting renewed condemnation from Mogadishu. As diplomatic efforts falter, Somalia is rallying international support, including military cooperation from Egypt, while the next steps in Turkey’s mediation remain uncertain.
africanews
