Ethiopia, a landlocked nation, has been engaged in a prolonged battle against Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents in Somalia, with thousands of Ethiopian troops stationed there. However, the proposed port project has heightened tensions, as Somalia views it as a direct challenge to its territorial integrity. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has maintained relative stability but struggles for international recognition.
During a regional summit, President Ruto expressed concerns about the potential for broader instability in the region, emphasizing that Somalia’s security is crucial for regional peace and economic development. “The security of Somalia contributes significantly to the stability of our region,” Ruto stated. He highlighted that both Kenya and Uganda would work collaboratively to bring Ethiopia and Somalia to the negotiating table.
Despite these mediation efforts, Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of regional interventions, citing past failures in influencing Ethiopia’s actions. However, he acknowledged Turkey’s ongoing mediation efforts as a potential avenue for achieving a diplomatic resolution.
As Kenya and Uganda step forward to mediate this critical dispute, their involvement could be pivotal in shaping the future stability of the Horn of Africa.