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Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdulrashid Ali Sharmak, seen in this undated file photo, called on Somalia to reject any agreement with Ethiopia that would allow a military base in Somali waters. Sharmak’s comments come as Turkey leads diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
MOGADISHU (HOL) — Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdulrashid Ali Sharmak called on Somalia to reject any agreement with Ethiopia that would allow the establishment of a military base in Somali waters. His warning came as Turkey clue Diplomatic efforts to ease escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial deal involving Somaliland.
Mr. Sharmak stressed that any agreement with Ethiopia should strictly exclude the deployment of military forces or military control in Somali waters, and he urged the Federal Government of Somalia to seek expert guidance during the negotiations to protect the country’s sovereignty.
Sharmak’s warning reflects concerns among Somalia’s political class that the deal could set a dangerous precedent and undermine its control over the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Somalia’s President Mohamed echoed those concerns, insisting that any cooperation with Ethiopia must respect Somalia’s sovereignty and abide by international law.
dispute stem Under a memorandum of understanding signed in January 2024, Ethiopia gained access to 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline. In exchange, Ethiopia said Will consider Recognizing Somaliland’s independence, a position that has attracted Fierce opposition from Somalia, which considers Somaliland to be part of its territory.
Gaining access to the sea is a long-standing strategic goal for Ethiopia, a landlocked country of more than 120 million people. The memorandum of understanding signed with Somaliland provides an opportunity for Ethiopia to ensure a naval presence, which it considers vital to national security and economic development. Install Under international pressure, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed defend He believes that the country’s need for access to the sea should be met through diplomatic means that respect regional stability.
Somaliland also said in late July that the agreement Will continue.
However, Ethiopia’s ambitions have sparked concerns in Somalia, which fears the deal could encourage Somaliland to push for full independence, further complicating already strained relations between the two countries.
Türkiye has positioned itself as Main mediator In the Horn of Africa, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosted a second round of talks in Ankara. The talks were held with Ethiopian and Somali delegations, a diplomatic move known as “Shuttle diplomacy”. This latest diplomatic effort is the latest in a series of First round Türkiye made progress in narrowing the differences between the two sides during the July talks.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has significantly increased Ankara’s influence in Africa over the past two decades, was also directly involved, speaking on the phone with and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Erdogan stressed the need for a peaceful solution.
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