U.S. welcomes Turkish-mediated deal between Ethiopia, Somalia

Published December 12,2024

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The U.S. on Thursday welcomed a Turkish-mediated deal between Ethiopia and Somalia to finish a territorial and maritime dispute.

“The United States welcomes the December 11 Declaration between the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia reaffirming each country’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity and advancing cooperation on shared interests,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned in a press release. “We appreciate the leadership of Türkiye in facilitating this Declaration.”

He added that the U.S. appears to be like ahead to “technical negotiations” to allow Ethiopia to take pleasure in dependable, safe and sustainable entry to the ocean whereas respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity, emphasizing that such dialogue is essential for mutual financial profit.

“Ongoing dialogue and engagement are essential for a stable and prosperous future for Ethiopia and Somalia,” he mentioned, whereas encouraging each nations to accentuate their cooperation on mutual safety pursuits, notably the battle towards al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group.

Since 2007, al-Shabaab has been preventing the Somali authorities and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) — a multidimensional mission approved by the African Union and mandated by the UN Security Council.

Blinken reiterated the U.S.’ dedication to sustaining shut cooperation with Ethiopia and Somalia.

The dispute started when Ethiopia struck a take care of Somalia’s breakaway area of Somaliland in January to make use of its Red Sea port of Berbera. Türkiye has since labored to ease tensions between the 2 East African nations.

The settlement was reached Wednesday throughout talks in Ankara, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

“We have taken the first step toward a new beginning based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” Erdoğan mentioned at a news convention within the Turkish capital.

According to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, the leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia “reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, as well as the principles enshrined in international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.”