Ankara, Turkey – The leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, signed a historic declaration on December 11, 2024, reaffirming their commitment to territorial integrity, sovereignty, and mutual cooperation. The meeting, held in Ankara, facilitated by Türkiye, is seen as a significant step toward resolving contentious issues between the two nations.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed agreed to strengthen bilateral relations while ensuring adherence to international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.
Key Highlights Supporting Somalia’s Sovereignty
1. Reaffirmation of Territorial Integrity –
The leaders reaffirmed their respect for each other’s sovereignty, unity, and independence. The declaration explicitly commits both nations to uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity, signaling a strong rejection of any unauthorized agreements or claims that undermine Somalia’s unity.
“The Leaders of Somalia and Ethiopia reaffirmed their respect and commitment to one another’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.”2. Ethiopia’s Sea Access Conditional on Somalia’s Sovereignty –
The declaration acknowledged Ethiopia’s need for assured access to the sea but stressed that such arrangements must respect the territorial integrity of Somalia. This provision invalidates any external agreements that bypass Somalia’s federal government.
“They acknowledged the potentially diverse benefits that could be derived from Ethiopia’s assured access to and from the sea, whilst respecting the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”3. Bilateral Agreements Under Somalia’s Authority –
Any future agreements regarding Ethiopian access to Somalia’s ports will be conducted through formal bilateral negotiations under Somalia’s sovereign authority. This provision underscores the Federal Government of Somalia’s exclusive mandate to handle such matters.
“They further agreed to finalize mutually advantageous commercial arrangements through bilateral agreements, including contract, lease, and similar modalities, under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”4. Rejection of the Illegal MoU with Somaliland –
While not explicitly mentioned, the declaration undermines any agreements Ethiopia may have signed with Somaliland, the self-declared independent region of Somalia. By recognizing Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, the declaration reaffirms that all international agreements involving Somali territory must be conducted through the Federal Government of Somalia.
Ethiopia’s need for access to the sea was addressed through plans for mutually beneficial commercial arrangements, negotiated exclusively with the Federal Government of Somalia. This provision ensures that any agreements will respect Somalia’s sovereign authority.
“They further agreed to finalize mutually advantageous commercial arrangements through bilateral agreements, including contract, lease, and similar modalities, under the sovereign authority of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
A Diplomatic Victory for Somalia
The Ankara Declaration is seen as a major diplomatic win for Somalia, halting Ethiopia’s unilateral moves to secure territory from Somaliland and solidifying Somalia’s sovereignty over its entire territory. By ensuring that Ethiopia’s sea access will be through commercial arrangements rather than territorial concessions, the declaration strengthens Somalia’s position in regional geopolitics.
Somalia’s Federal Government hailed the declaration as a reaffirmation of its territorial unity, marking an end to attempts to exploit regional divisions. The move also reflects Ethiopia’s alignment with the nation-state framework, abandoning previous aspirations for territorial acquisition.
Looking Ahead
The agreement paves the way for technical negotiations set to begin in February 2025 and conclude within four months. The discussions will focus on formalizing Ethiopia’s sea access under Somalia’s sovereign framework, ensuring mutual economic benefits.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s leadership in securing this agreement highlights Somalia’s growing diplomatic strength. The Ankara Declaration is expected to enhance stability and cooperation in the Horn of Africa while affirming the principles of sovereignty and international law.
Ahmed Mohamud Mohamed, Political Economist in the HOA.
