Ethiopia and Somalia Reach Landmark Agreement with Turkish Mediation













In a breakthrough hailed as a “historic agreement,” Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved a year-long diplomatic feud following intensive negotiations mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The agreement, reached after eight hours of talks on Wednesday, is expected to pave the way for renewed peace and cooperation between the two Horn of Africa nations.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Ankara for the third round of Turkish-brokered talks, after previous efforts in July and October failed to yield progress. Erdogan, addressing a joint press conference, described the deal as a significant step toward a new chapter of collaboration.

“This agreement marks the beginning of a new era based on mutual understanding and shared goals,” Erdogan stated. He expressed confidence that the accord would resolve Ethiopia’s pressing need for access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty.

The conflict stemmed from Ethiopia’s controversial deal in January with Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway region, to lease a coastal stretch for a port and military base in exchange for recognition—a move Somalia condemned as a violation of its territorial integrity. The dispute escalated tensions, raising fears of conflict in the already volatile Horn of Africa.

During the press conference, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Ethiopia’s need for “safe and reliable access to the sea,” describing the agreement as a way to turn a year of tensions into a new partnership. “This will benefit not only Ethiopia but also our neighbors and the region at large,” Abiy remarked.

President Mohamud, meanwhile, lauded the deal as a resolution to their differences, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to collaboration. “We are ready to work with Ethiopia’s leadership and people to build a future of shared prosperity,” he said.

Turkey’s role as a mediator has been pivotal, with Erdogan personally overseeing three rounds of talks. His diplomatic efforts reflect Turkey’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa, where it has played a key role in fostering stability.

As 2024 comes to a close, this agreement offers hope for a more cooperative future in the region. It also underscores the importance of international mediation in resolving complex disputes and promoting regional integration.











3 COMMENTS

Ittu Aba Farda







December 12, 2024 At 7:45 am













That is good news. These two nations have population that lives in both countries. There are Ethiopian Somalis and Somalia Somalis. The two countries lived through being destructively hostile to each other. They have tried wars to resolve stupid disputes that cost the lives of thousands. They have to give peace the chance. Their leaders should leave their egos at the door of the negotiation room. Their actions can bring peace to their beleaguered citizens or can once again draw them into stupid, senseless and bloody conflict. Let’s hope and pray this latest agreement will lead to lasting peace and cooperation. Insha’Allah!!!

That is good news. These two nations have population that lives in both countries. There are Ethiopian Somalis and Somalia Somalis. The two countries lived through being destructively hostile to each other. They have tried wars to resolve stupid disputes that cost the lives of thousands. They have to give peace the chance. Their leaders should leave their egos at the door of the negotiation room. Their actions can bring peace to their beleaguered citizens or can once again draw them into stupid, senseless and bloody conflict. Let’s hope and pray this latest agreement will lead to lasting peace and cooperation. Insha’Allah!!!

Ittu Aba Farda







December 12, 2024 At 7:59 am













I may add the following cardinal truth. Somalia has more in common with Ethiopia than with Egypt or Eritrea. The same language is spoken both in Somalia and Ethiopia. The same religion is observed both in Ethiopia and Somalia. Their peoples drink, bath and water their farms from the same rivers. If not for colonialism, these two fraternal peoples could have been citizens of one country and living in peace and harmony.

I may add the following cardinal truth. Somalia has more in common with Ethiopia than with Egypt or Eritrea. The same language is spoken both in Somalia and Ethiopia. The same religion is observed both in Ethiopia and Somalia. Their peoples drink, bath and water their farms from the same rivers. If not for colonialism, these two fraternal peoples could have been citizens of one country and living in peace and harmony.

Ittu Aba Farda







December 15, 2024 At 7:31 am













Citizens, silence!!!

I’m singing from the top of my lung the old-time Somali spiritual!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

Citizens, silence!!!

I’m singing from the top of my lung the old-time Somali spiritual!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

Harimade Ana Haban; Ana Haban; Galada Same Nagaadhsi!!!

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