Somali and Ethiopian officials have begun technical discussions in Türkiye to implement the Ankara Declaration and address Ethiopia’s request for maritime access through Somali territory. The talks follow a recent meeting between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed aimed at mending diplomatic ties.
Somali Minister of Information Daud Aweis confirmed his participation, stating that the delegation is focused on carrying out agreements from previous negotiations. “I have arrived in Ankara to join the Somali delegation for the first round of technical discussions with Ethiopia,” Aweis said, reaffirming Somalia’s commitment to peace, cooperation, and diplomatic relations based on mutual respect.
Ethiopia has long sought a trade route to the sea, a request that has sparked tensions in the Horn of Africa. On January 1, 2024, Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, proposing a 50-year lease for a 19-kilometer coastal stretch near Berbera. The agreement, which also hinted at possible Ethiopian recognition of Somaliland’s independence, was strongly condemned by Somalia’s federal government as a violation of its sovereignty. Mogadishu insists that any maritime deal must be negotiated solely with the federal government and align with international law.
The technical teams, composed of representatives from both governments, are now assessing whether Ethiopia could gain controlled access under Somali oversight. The discussions could determine the future of economic cooperation and regional stability, with potential implications for geopolitical alliances.
Türkiye, which has maintained close diplomatic and military ties with Somalia, previously played a key role in brokering the Ankara Declaration in December 2024. While it is unclear whether Türkiye is directly mediating the talks, its role as host underscores its continued influence in regional affairs.
The outcome of the negotiations could reshape power dynamics in the Horn of Africa. A mutually beneficial agreement could enhance trade and stability, but failure to find common ground may heighten tensions and create further regional instability.