Tuesday August 13, 2024
Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, pictured in this undated file photo, has called on Somalia to reject any agreement with Ethiopia that would allow the establishment of a military base in Somali waters. Sharmarke's statement comes amid ongoing Turkey-led diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Former Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has called on Somalia to reject any deal with Ethiopia that would allow the establishment of a military base in Somali waters. His warning comes as Turkey leads diplomatic efforts to defuse escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial agreement involving Somaliland.
Sharmarke emphasized that any agreement with Ethiopia should strictly exclude provisions for a military presence or control over Somalia's maritime territory. He urged the Federal Government of Somalia to seek expert guidance during these negotiations to protect the country's sovereignty.
Sharmarke's warnings reflect concerns within Somalia's political circles that the agreement could set a dangerous precedent, undermining its control over the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Somali President Mohamud has echoed these concerns, insisting that any cooperation with Ethiopia must respect Somalia's sovereignty and adhere to international law.
The dispute stems from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in January 2024, in which Ethiopia secured access to a 20-kilometer stretch of Somaliland's coastline. In exchange, Ethiopia has said it would consider recognizing Somaliland's independence, a stance that has drawn fierce opposition from Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory.
For Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with over 120 million people, gaining access to the sea is a long-held strategic objective. The MOU with Somaliland presents an opportunity for Ethiopia to secure a naval presence, which it views as essential for its national security and economic development. Despite mounting international pressure, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has defended the deal, arguing that his nation's need for sea access should be met through diplomatic means that respect regional stability.
Somaliland has also stated, as recently as late July, that the agreement will continue.
However, Ethiopia's ambitions have sparked fears in Somalia that the deal could embolden Somaliland's push for full independence, further complicating the already fraught relations between the two neighbours.
Turkey has injected itself as the main mediator in the Horn of Africa, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hosting a second round of talks in Ankara. The discussions are being held separately with Ethiopian and Somali delegations, a diplomatic maneuver known as "shuttle diplomacy." This latest diplomatic effort follows an initial round of talks in July, where Turkey made progress in narrowing the differences between the two sides.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has significantly increased Ankara's influence in Africa over the past two decades, has also been directly involved, holding phone calls with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Erdogan has emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution.