Somalia seeks “definitive resolution about violation of its sovereignty” in the third round of talks in Ankara
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Toronto – When the first round of talk between Ethiopia and Somalia was held in Ankara the only agreement they reached was to meet again in the same city for a second round of talk in September 2024.
But the second round of talks happened several weeks before the scheduled time after the Turkish Foreign Minister visited Ethiopia last week. It appears that Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister, Hakan Fidan, facilitated the second meeting to be rescheduled and it took place yesterday in Ankara. There has been a complaint among some Somalia activists that the timing for the second meeting is too far.
The second round of talks – which was still indirect – ended without an agreement, according to sources. The two parties attended a joint press conference after the talk and they are scheduled to meet again in September 2024.
From the statement that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia released, Turkey seem to have understood the importance of Ethiopia’s “legitimate interest” of access to the sea. Highlighting the steps it took to de-escalate tension following the memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, the statement from the ministry underscored the importance of peaceful pursuit of access to the sea. It said “…Ethiopia is confident that Türkiye now appreciates the importance that Ethiopia attaches to this facilitation and Ethiopia’s legitimate interest and the peaceful manner in which it seeks to secure dependable access to and from the sea…”
A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somalia stated that “progress” was made during the second round of indirect talks but it was unspecified as to what it was.
While Somalia has agreed to attend a third round of talk which Türkiye scheduled for early September, it announced that it expects “definitive resolution.”
The Statement from Somalia stated : “The Federal Republic of Somalia is committed to participating in the upcoming third round of talks, with the expectation that it will result in a definitive resolution that reinforces Somalia’s unity and sovereignty, in strict adherence to international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.”
Somalia argued that the memorandum of understanding that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland on January 1, 2024 violates its sovereignty and territorial integrity. On the other hand, Somaliland which remained a de facto state for more than 33 years continues to reject Somalia ‘s claim. In a statement Somaliland issued on August 13, it said “The Government of the Republic of Somaliland remains committed to implementing the MoU with Ethiopia. ” Somaliland also accused Turkey of violating its sovereignty.
Despite Somalia’s stand, Ethiopia expressed hope that “great things could be decided through continuous engagement. ” The Statement from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “Ethiopia looks forward to a more fruitful upcoming third round of talks with Somalia.”
Meanwhile, Egypt and Somalia signed a military agreement in Cairo just a day after the second round of talk ended without an agreement. Egypt is already opening an Embassy in Ethiopia while Somalia has ordered the closure of the Ethiopian embassy.
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This article does not tell the whole story. It is true that the 2nd meeting did not produce treaty but both sides have agreed to meet at again and continue the dialogue. I’m not giving up yet even though the modern day slave trader el-Sisi is in bed with his ‘abd/abids/niggers’ at Villa Mogadishu.