MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian)- Talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, scheduled to happen in Ankara on September 17, have been postponed, with no new date introduced for the rescheduled discussions. The earlier two rounds of negotiations failed, and native media experiences point out that Somalia declined to attend this session.
Somalia’s refusal to take part stems from calls for that Ethiopia formally acknowledge Somali sovereignty and cancel a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. This deal grants Ethiopia entry to a strategic port and naval base on the Purple Sea, a transfer Somalia considers a breach of its territorial integrity.
The diplomatic discord between the 2 international locations has been ongoing for 9 months, triggered by Ethiopia’s settlement with Somaliland. Somalia views this as an infringement on its sovereignty and has been vocal in its opposition.
Tensions have additional escalated following feedback by Somali Overseas Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who expressed help for insurgent teams opposing the Ethiopian authorities. In response, Ethiopia has accused Fiqi of being an “Al-Shabaab” agent, intensifying the battle.
Final week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a stern warning towards any makes an attempt to invade Ethiopia, reacting strongly to Somalia’s latest protection pact with Egypt. This settlement contains the deployment of 5,000 Egyptian troops to Somalia beneath an AU-led mission, with an extra 5,000 troops to comply with individually.
The deployment of Egyptian forces is controversial amongst Somalia’s political elite. This growth provides one other layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The continued dispute over the Somaliland deal, mixed with latest army agreements, underscores the deepening rift between the 2 nations, making the decision of their diplomatic points more and more difficult.
