ANKARA, Turkiye: Turkiye has initiated mediation between Somalia and Ethiopia regarding a controversial port deal that Addis Ababa signed with Somaliland earlier this year.
Ethiopia’s agreement to lease 20 km of coastline from Somaliland, in exchange for recognition of its independence, led to diplomatic tensions with Somalia.
Mogadishu condemned the agreement as illegal, expelling the Ethiopian ambassador and threatening the removal of Ethiopian troops aiding in the fight against insurgents.
Despite these efforts, Somaliland, which has been self-governing since 1991 but lacks international recognition, is not participating in the talks.
The objectives of the negotiations remain unclear, with expectations for a resolution being low. Somali officials are reportedly unlikely to engage in dialogue until Ethiopia withdraws from the agreement.
The Somali, Ethiopian, and Turkish governments have not commented on the mediation efforts.
