Ambassadors from the foreign ministries of Ethiopia and Somalia convened in Ankara on Monday, July 1st, as Turkey stepped in to mediate rising tensions between the two nations. The strain between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu has escalated since the early-year signing of a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland. This agreement grants Ethiopia a 50-year lease for a naval base in exchange for diplomatic recognition, an act Somalia perceives as an affront to its sovereignty.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud previously declared that dialogue would be impossible without the withdrawal of the agreement. However, his recent actions suggest a shift in position. Last week, he extended an olive branch by proposing Ethiopia access to the Red Sea, provided it complies with Somalia’s established commercial conditions. This move indicates a potential openness to negotiations despite earlier firm stances.
This diplomatic softening follows a period of heightened tensions. In April, Somalia expelled the Ethiopian ambassador and demanded the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia on anti-al-Shabaab missions. Ethiopian authorities have remained silent on these demands and have not formally recognized Somaliland, a critical condition for the agreement’s implementation.
These negotiations are spearheaded by Turkey, which seeks to expand its influence in the region. As a key economic partner and close ally of Somalia, Turkey aims to solidify its presence through these mediation efforts. Earlier this year, Turkey bolstered its ties with Mogadishu by signing a commercial agreement to exploit offshore oil and gas reserves. Additionally, a significant defense agreement was reached, providing Somalia with assistance to defend its coastline and rebuild its naval forces.
Turkey’s mediation underscores its strategic interests in enhancing its role and influence in East Africa, while potentially fostering stability between Ethiopia and Somalia.