Turkey has increased its diplomatic influence in Africa in recent years and has assumed an important mediation role to ensure regional peace and stability. In this context, the “Ankara Process” initiated by Turkey and aimed at resolving territorial disputes between Ethiopia and Somalia has been a notable development. In particular, the meeting of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and reaching an agreement has brought a new breath to peaceful resolution efforts in the region.
The Beginning and Development of the Ankara Process
The dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia is centered on the status of the Somaliland region, which has been going on for a long time. Somalia considers Somaliland, which is located on the coast of the Yemen Sea, to be part of its territory and considers Ethiopia's agreement with the region to be a threat to Somalia's territorial integrity. However, the agreement signed by Ethiopia with Somaliland has caused tensions to escalate, especially in 2024.
Despite this, in order to overcome this situation, Turkey attempted to mediate by using its strong relations with both countries. Turkey's initiative was initiated as the "Ankara Process" upon Ethiopia's official request and the process reached an important stage as a result of negotiations that lasted approximately 8 months.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his statement regarding the process, emphasized the importance of the process by saying, “By overcoming some resentments and misunderstandings together, we have taken the first step towards a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia.” Erdoğan stated that this step is a turning point in terms of ensuring stability in the region, while respecting the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of both countries.
Conflict and Peace Steps Between Somalia and Ethiopia
At the meeting held in Ankara, an important agreement was reached as a result of the talks held with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This agreement allowed Ethiopia and Somalia to focus on the future rather than past issues and to move forward towards mutual prosperity. In the joint statement, both countries agreed to respect Somalia's territorial integrity and ensure Ethiopia's right to safe access to the sea.
President Erdoğan expressed his belief that this agreement will create a solid foundation for peace, cooperation and economic development between the two friendly countries. These steps also aim to increase peace and prosperity in the region. Erdoğan expressed his belief that this agreement will yield positive results in the coming period and that important projects will be implemented for the people of the region.
Details of the Ethiopia-Somalia Ankara Declaration
The Ethiopia-Somalia Ankara statement shows that both countries have reached important agreements and have adopted a cooperative approach in this process. The statement emphasized that while respecting Somalia's territorial integrity, ensuring Ethiopia's safe access to the sea offers an important opportunity for economic development in the region. It was also stated that the parties will begin technical negotiations by February 2025, facilitated by Turkey, and aim to conclude them within four months.
This agreement was a step that further strengthened Turkey's peace-building efforts in Africa. Turkey contributed to this solution process between Somalia and Ethiopia with great dedication, and both countries expressed their gratitude to Turkey for this initiative.
Regional Stability and Future Steps
The resolution of this dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia is of great importance not only for the two countries but also for the entire East African region. Such diplomatic steps are very valuable for regional stability, increasing trade, strengthening border security and consolidating peace between peoples. President Erdoğan believes that his contributions to this process will bring great benefits in the long term not only for Somalia and Ethiopia but also for the African continent.
As a result, the “Ankara Process” that began under Turkey’s mediation has reached an important stage in the search for a peaceful solution between Somalia and Ethiopia. It is expected that both countries will take joint steps towards the future and implement projects that will support regional peace and development. Turkey has once again strengthened its influence in the region with this successful diplomatic solution process in Africa.
