Addis Abeba– Multiple international partners, including the African Union (AU), the United States, and the United Kingdom, have expressed support for the Ankara Agreement, signed between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on11 December, 2024.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, described the agreement as an “important act of high responsibility” and “strongly encourage[d] them to implement, without delay, the relevant measures adopted.”
The United States lauded the agreement, highlighting its reaffirmation of “each country’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity” while advancing cooperation on shared interests. Washington expressed anticipation for “technical negotiations to permit Ethiopia to enjoy reliable, secure, and sustainable access to the sea for mutual economic benefit.”
The Ankara Declaration, signed during a meeting hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, reaffirmed both nations’ commitment to sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
According to the declaration, the leaders “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” and agreed “to forgo and leave behind differences and contentious issues.”
A spokesperson for the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) endorsed the agreement, commending “steps to promote cooperation, stability, development, and shared prosperity in the Horn of Africa.”
The European Union highlighted the declaration as a reflection of “the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in de-escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.” It reiterated support for “the unity, the sovereignty, and the territorial integrity” of both nations.
The United Nations also welcomed the agreement, with UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric describing it as a “positive move” in the spirit of “friendship” and “mutual respect.” Dujarric stated, “We warmly welcome the announcement of the Ankara Declaration between Ethiopia and Somalia under the leadership of Türkiye.”
The Ankara Declaration outlines plans for technical negotiations on Ethiopia’s sea access, set to begin by February 2025 and conclude within four months. Both nations agreed “to closely work together to finalize mutually advantageous commercial arrangements” under Somalia’s sovereign authority.
The declaration acknowledged the contributions of Ethiopian soldiers in Somalia, stating, “Somalia acknowledges the sacrifices made by Ethiopian soldiers.” It further expressed gratitude to Türkiye, noting, “We express our appreciation to Türkiye and President Erdoğan for this initiative and their ongoing commitment to the process.”
The agreement follows tensions earlier this year after Ethiopia announced plans to develop a port in Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia. This move was viewed by Mogadishu as an “infringement on Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.” AS
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