Rédaction Africa Links 24 with khaliil
Published on 2024-04-12 15:47:19
Kenya has proposed a regional maritime treaty to defuse tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over a deal allowing Ethiopia to set up a naval base and gain port access in Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland. The proposal comes amidst concerns that the agreement could further destabilize the Horn of Africa region.
The landlocked country of Ethiopia agreed on Jan. 1 to lease 20 km (12 miles) of coastline in Somaliland, a region of Somalia that declared independence in 1991 and has functioned autonomously since then. In exchange for this deal, there is a possibility of Somaliland receiving recognition.
This move was met with a defiant response from Somalia, with worries about the implications for regional stability. In response, Kenya is working on a proposal for a treaty in collaboration with Djibouti and the regional bloc IGAD. This treaty would govern how landlocked states in the region can access ports on commercial terms.
Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, Korir Sing’oei, stated that IGAD could formulate a treaty for sharing maritime resources to address the current situation. Efforts are being made to engage with all parties involved, with the goal of ensuring stability in the region.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia recently met with Kenyan counterpart William Ruto in Nairobi to discuss a diplomatic solution to the dispute. The proposal put forward by Nairobi aims to provide Ethiopia with stable and predictable access to maritime resources while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Both Somalia and Ethiopia are considering the proposal, with discussions ongoing on the way forward. There is urgency in reaching a resolution as militant group al Shabaab in Somalia is exploiting the dispute to undermine the government in Mogadishu.
The proposed treaty would not only address the current tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia but also provide a framework for other landlocked states in the region to access ports on fair terms. The overall objective is to promote cooperation and stability in the Horn of Africa region.
As negotiations continue, the focus remains on finding a diplomatic solution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved. The proposed regional maritime treaty could be a step towards resolving the tensions surrounding the Ethiopia-Somalia port deal and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Source: Reuters
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