Turkey to Host Second Round of Mediation Talks Between Ethiopia and Somalia Next week

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Friday that Turkey will host the second round of mediation talks between Ethiopia and Somalia on August 12, 2024. This follows a successful visit by Fidan to Addis Ababa, where he met with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The upcoming talks are designed to address the strained relations between the two East African neighbors, which escalated after Ethiopia agreed to lease 20 kilometers of coastline from Somaliland in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence. This agreement has been a point of contention for Somalia, which views it as a threat to its territorial integrity.

Minister Fidan highlighted that the mediation aims to resolve these tensions by ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the seas through Somalia while reaffirming Somalia’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty. He emphasized that the discussions with Prime Minister Abiy were constructive and focused on finding a mutually acceptable resolution.

The Turkish-brokered talks will offer a two-pronged framework for settlement, addressing both political and territorial concerns. This round of mediation marks Turkey’s continued role in facilitating dialogue and conflict resolution in the region.

Fidan’s announcement came during a joint press conference in Istanbul with Montenegro’s Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, underscoring Turkey’s diplomatic engagement in international mediation efforts. The talks represent a crucial step in easing regional tensions and fostering stability in the Horn of Africa.