Ethiopia had shown interest in recognizing Somaliland’s independence if it was granted strategic land along the Red Sea and Indian Ocean junction,
Somalia and Ethiopia agreed on a joint declaration to resolve their dispute over the Somaliland breakaway and Ethiopia’s attempt to seek access to the sea, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced yesterday evening (Wednesday, Dec 11).
At a joint news conference in Ankara, Erdogan said the agreement was a “historic reconciliation” and complimented Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for their commitment to peace and cooperation.
This joint declaration is for the future and not the past. It marks the principles upon which these two friendly nations, which are of high importance to us, shall build now, Erdogan posted on his social media after announcing it.
Erdogan said the agreement was “the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation” and would enable Ethiopia, the world’s most populous landlocked country, to gain vital sea access.
The issue revolves around Ethiopia’s construction of a port in Somaliland, a territory that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but was never recognized internationally. Somaliland has remained relatively stable and in control, while Somalia has not identified its independence.
Ethiopia had reportedly agreed to recognize Somaliland’s independence over a strategic strip of land near the Red Sea and Indian Ocean intersection.
