Turkey Mediates Diplomatic Talks Between Somalia and Ethiopia

Turkey mediated discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia to ease tensions after Ethiopia's agreement with Somaliland, which Somalia viewed as a violation of its sovereignty. The foreign ministers of both countries engaged in a forward-looking exchange, facilitated by Turkey. A second round of talks is scheduled in Ankara.

Turkey stepped in on Monday to mediate critical discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia, aiming to defuse mounting diplomatic tensions between the East African neighbors, according to a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Relations between the two nations have been strained since Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the self-declared state of Somaliland in January. Somalia condemned the memorandum as it perceived it infringed on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The agreement granted Ethiopia access to the sea via Somaliland, while Ethiopia would recognize Somaliland as an independent entity.

The Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Taye Atske Selassie, and his Somalian counterpart, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, engaged in separate but forward-looking discussions about their differences, overseen by Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. A follow-up round of talks is planned for September 2 in Ankara.

Both ministers reaffirmed their dedication to peacefully resolving their disputes and expressed gratitude to Turkey for its facilitation and constructive contributions, the statement added.

Historically, Somalia and Ethiopia have maintained peaceful relations, but Ethiopia’s recent engagement with Somaliland has disturbed the diplomatic balance.