Wednesday, July 9, 2025
20.1 C
Kampala

Somalia to Grant Ethiopia Access to Red Sea After Ankara Deal

- Advertisement -

In a significant breakthrough, Somalia and Ethiopia have reached an agreement to grant Ethiopia access to Somali ports, resolving longstanding tensions over maritime access. 

The deal, brokered in Ankara by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, represents a turning point in relations between the two Horn of Africa nations.

The agreement, outlined in the Ankara Declaration, seeks to balance Ethiopia’s economic and strategic needs as a landlocked nation with Somalia’s concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity.

- Advertisement -

The deal addresses years of friction between the two nations over Ethiopia’s persistent calls for access to the Red Sea. 

Previous efforts by Ethiopia to secure port access by signing a deal with the secessionist Somaliland had strained relations, with Somali leaders and citizens expressing fears that such arrangements could compromise their national sovereignty.

Erdogan reconciling Presidents Ahmed and Mohamud

The Ankara Declaration explicitly emphasizes respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating, “Somalia recognizes the sacrifices of Ethiopian soldiers within the African Union Missions. They acknowledged the potentially diverse benefits that could be derived from Ethiopia’s assured access to and from the sea, whilst respecting the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

Framework for Cooperation

- Advertisement -

Under the agreement, Ethiopia will gain sustainable access to Somali ports through commercial arrangements such as contracts and leases. Somalia will retain full sovereign authority over these arrangements.

Both nations have committed to finalizing technical negotiations by February 2025, with the aim of signing agreements within four months.

Ethiopia President Ahmed being received by his Turkish counterpart, Erdogan in Ankara

The declaration adds, “They further agreed to closely work together to finalize mutually advantageous commercial arrangements…which will allow the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to enjoy reliable, secure and sustainable access to and from the sea, under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

- Advertisement -

Ethiopia, with over 120 million people, has long been hampered by its landlocked status, which limits its economic potential. 

Ahmed meeting Erdogan at the presidential palace in Ankara

Access to Somali ports is expected to significantly enhance its trade capabilities, while Somalia stands to benefit from increased port revenues and strengthened ties with its neighbor.

The agreement also aims to ease past tensions, which had been fueled by Ethiopia’s interference in Somali affairs and territorial disputes. 

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called the deal a chance to reset relations, emphasizing the importance of “leaving behind differences and contentious issues” for shared prosperity.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the agreement and the commitment to work collaboratively.

Turkey will continue to facilitate negotiations and help resolve any disputes arising during implementation.

- Advertisement -

Popular Stories

UNEB Unveils Senior Three Project Theme

The Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) has released the...

NUP Members Reject Appointments: Legal Threats Against DA

Members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) in Mubende...

Katanga Murder Case: The Speedy Trial Off to a Slow Start

The murder trial of Ms Molly Katanga failed to...

Six Dead as Mpox Cases in Uganda Surpass 1,000, Reaching 1,044

Kampala, Uganda - Uganda is grappling with a significant...

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni Aid Buyende’s Education with New School Infrastructure

In an effort to tackle the deeply rooted issues...

Topics

UCC Orders Rukungiri’s Boona FM to Suspend Host Over Breach of Broadcasting Standards

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has directed Boona FM...

U.S. Warns Ugandan Travelers on Using Visas for Childbirth

The United States Mission in Uganda has issued a...

NIRA Urges Parents to Register Children for National IDs

Claire Ollama, a registrar from the National Identification and...

Kin Kariisa Installed as New President for Kigo 7 Lakes Rotary Golf Club

Next Media Group Chief Executive Officer, Kin Kariisa, has...

BREAKING: Museveni Bans Balaalo Free-Range Cattle Grazing in Northern, Eastern Uganda

President Museveni has issued a sweeping directive banning the...

Museveni to Israel: Palestinians Belong There — Iran Must Accept Israel

President Museveni has launched a pointed and historically grounded...

Museveni Promotes Police Crime Intelligence Chief, Brig Ddamulira

President Museveni has promoted to Major General, Police's Crime...

Former Supreme Mufti Sheikh Ndirangwa Dies at 62

The Muslim community is mourning the passing of former...
Advertisement

Related Articles

Popular Categories