- Second round of talks between Ethiopia and Somalia
- The two countries have not met face-to-face
- The standoff has raised fears of armed conflict
Ankara has hosted a second round of talks between Ethiopia and Somalia in an effort to resolve a growing dispute over the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Tensions escalated after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland in January, granting the latter’s independence in exchange for a lease on a coastal strip for a naval base.
Somalia vehemently opposes the deal, considering Somaliland part of its territory.
The standoff has raised fears of armed conflict between the two neighboring countries.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has been instrumental in mediating the dispute, holding separate meetings with Ethiopian and Somali officials.
While the two countries have not met face-to-face, Turkish diplomats have shuttled between them in an attempt to bridge the divide.
Fidan has proposed a compromise that would grant Ethiopia access to the sea through Somalia while respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Turkey, which has cultivated strong ties with both nations, is playing a crucial role in de-escalating the situation.
The country’s President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has also engaged in diplomatic efforts to encourage a peaceful resolution.
