Somalia and Ethiopia expressed their gratitude on Wednesday for the successful resolution of a nearly year-long dispute, marking a significant step toward regional stability. In a press conference held in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that an agreement had been reached during Türkiye-mediated peace talks, bringing an end to the bitter conflict between the two nations.
The dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia had intensified following Ethiopia’s agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland to use the port of Berbera on the Red Sea in January 2024. This situation had aggravated tensions, as Ethiopia lost direct access to the Red Sea following Eritrea’s independence in 1991.
Since then, Ethiopia has been landlocked, which has impacted its maritime trade. However, after months of negotiations facilitated by Türkiye, the two nations have agreed to put the dispute behind them and focus on the shared interests of peace and stability in the region.
During the press conference, President Mohamud thanked Türkiye for its efforts and emphasized Somalia’s ongoing support for Ethiopia. He highlighted the deep-rooted connections between the two countries, pointing out that both share common cultural, historical, and political ties. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also expressed gratitude for the peace talks and reflected on the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia.
He underscored the sacrifices made by Ethiopian soldiers in securing Somalia’s safety and combating terrorism, reinforcing the sentiment that Ethiopia and Somalia are more than just neighbors—they are brothers with intertwined destinies.
