Diplomatic Tensions Between Ethiopia and Somalia Eased After Turkey-Brokered Deal

Diplomatic Tensions Between Ethiopia and Somalia Eased After Turkey-Brokered Deal

The diplomatic dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, which had strained relations between the two neighboring countries for nearly a year, has now been resolved, according to Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi. In a statement broadcast on Somali state TV, Fiqi emphasized that Somalia had made no concessions during the resolution process. Ethiopia has not provided an official response to the Somali claim but stated that both nations had agreed to “strengthen bilateral relations.”

The tensions between the countries began in January 2024, when landlocked Ethiopia signed a controversial maritime agreement with Somaliland, a breakaway region that Somalia considers an integral part of its territory. The deal, which involved Ethiopia’s plans to build a naval base in Somaliland, sparked strong opposition from Somalia, as it viewed the agreement as a violation of its sovereignty. Ethiopia’s subsequent involvement in Somaliland’s push for international recognition further escalated tensions, with Somalia accusing Ethiopia of an act of “aggression.”

The situation worsened throughout 2024, as both countries exchanged heated rhetoric, and there were concerns that the dispute could lead to a wider regional conflict. Ethiopia’s increasing engagement with Somaliland, including its commitment to build a naval base, led Somalia to threaten expelling Ethiopian troops stationed in Somalia. The Ethiopian troops are part of a separate force not under the African Union (AU) mandate, and there were uncertainties about their future role in Somalia’s peacekeeping mission.

In December 2024, a breakthrough came when Turkey mediated discussions between Ethiopia and Somalia, leading to a détente between the two countries. This resulted in a joint declaration on December 12, 2024, in Ankara, where the neighbors agreed to work towards resolving their differences and strengthening cooperation. The declaration included provisions for the two countries to hold technical talks in February 2025, with the aim of reaching “mutually beneficial commercial arrangements” and ensuring that Ethiopia gains access to the sea “under Somalia’s sovereignty.”

As part of the recent diplomatic thaw, Ethiopia sent a high-level delegation to Somalia, led by Ethiopian Defense Minister Aisha Mohammed, in the latest sign of improved relations. The visit focused on the future of the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, where Ethiopia has thousands of troops deployed. While Ethiopia stated that the two countries agreed to collaborate on the mission, Somalia’s foreign ministry was more cautious, indicating that it would “consider Ethiopia’s request to contribute forces” but stopped short of a full commitment.

The diplomatic shift marks a significant turning point for the two countries, as it was previously inconceivable for Ethiopian officials to engage in talks in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, amid the deteriorating relations. With Turkey’s mediation efforts, the two countries have now committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty and to continue dialogue to resolve outstanding issues.

While the situation remains fluid, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Fiqi made it clear that the Somali government stood firm on its position regarding Somaliland, stating that the issue was “closed” but that Somalia’s demands had been tabled and accepted. This resolution paves the way for future cooperation, although it remains unclear whether Ethiopia has fully abandoned the deal it signed with Somaliland.

Both Ethiopia and Somalia have recognized the importance of stabilizing relations, as regional cooperation is essential for addressing shared challenges, including security concerns and economic development in the Horn of Africa.

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