Turkish President Erdogan is set to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025 after facilitating a peace agreement between the two nations to end a long-standing dispute. This diplomatic achievement, which has earned international praise, culminated from several rounds of talks initiated by Turkey amidst rising tensions following Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somaliland. Erdogan is also addressing conflicts in Sudan, further indicating Turkey’s active role in regional diplomacy.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced plans to visit Ethiopia and Somalia in early 2025, following his successful mediation of a deal aimed at reducing long-standing tensions between the two nations. The announcement was made through a post on social media platform X, where Erdogan stated, “I will visit Ethiopia and Somalia in the first two months of the New Year.” The agreement was reached during a meeting on December 11 between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Ankara, which Erdogan described as a “historic” breakthrough. This diplomatic resolution follows a protracted dispute that began in January, when Ethiopia negotiated a controversial deal with the self-declared independent region of Somaliland for port and military access in exchange for potential recognition. Somalia condemned this action as a violation of its sovereignty, prompting international concern about escalating conflict in the Horn of Africa. Turkey’s role as a mediator included several rounds of negotiations held in both Ankara and New York, leading to this recent agreement, which has received commendation from various international entities, including the African Union and officials from Washington and Brussels. In addition to his accomplishments in the Horn of Africa, Erdogan has also reached out to Sudan’s armed forces regarding ongoing conflicts, offering Turkish assistance to mediate between Sudan and the United Arab Emirates amid escalating violence that has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of civilians.
The background of this diplomatic engagement can be traced to historical tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s dealings with Somaliland, a region that has sought independence since 1991, yet remains unrecognized by the Somali central government in Mogadishu. This relationship has complex roots involving territorial disputes and geopolitical stakes in the Horn of Africa, a historically volatile region. The recent conflict in Sudan has added another layer of complexity, prompting Erdogan to extend Turkey’s diplomatic reach further into African politics, as he attempts to facilitate resolution in multiple arenas of regional instability.
In conclusion, President Erdogan’s upcoming visits to Ethiopia and Somalia are anticipated to reinforce Turkey’s role as a mediator in the Horn of Africa, building on the recent agreement that seeks to end a year-long dispute. The successful diplomatic outreach not only reflects Turkey’s growing influence in Africa but also underscores the critical need for peaceful resolution in a region beset with conflict. Furthermore, Erdogan’s willingness to engage in Sudan’s multifaceted conflict highlights Turkey’s expanding diplomatic mission across the continent.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
