MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian)- Talks between Somalia and Ethiopia, scheduled to take place in Ankara on September 17, have been postponed, with no new date announced for the rescheduled discussions. The previous two rounds of negotiations failed, and local media reports indicate that Somalia declined to attend this session.
Somalia’s refusal to participate stems from demands that Ethiopia formally recognize Somali sovereignty and cancel a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. This deal grants Ethiopia access to a strategic port and naval base on the Red Sea, a move Somalia considers a breach of its territorial integrity.
The diplomatic discord between the two countries has been ongoing for nine months, triggered by Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland. Somalia views this as an infringement on its sovereignty and has been vocal in its opposition.
Tensions have further escalated following comments by Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, who expressed support for rebel groups opposing the Ethiopian government. In response, Ethiopia has accused Fiqi of being an “Al-Shabaab” agent, intensifying the conflict.
Last week, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed issued a stern warning against any attempts to invade Ethiopia, reacting strongly to Somalia’s recent defense pact with Egypt. This agreement includes the deployment of 5,000 Egyptian troops to Somalia under an AU-led mission, with an additional 5,000 troops to follow separately.
The deployment of Egyptian forces is controversial among Somalia’s political elite. This development adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relations between Somalia and Ethiopia.
The ongoing dispute over the Somaliland deal, combined with recent military agreements, underscores the deepening rift between the two nations, making the resolution of their diplomatic issues increasingly challenging.
