29 February 2024
Mogadishu, Somalia – In a move seen as a response to Ethiopia’s controversial port deal with Somaliland, Somalia has signed a 10-year defense agreement with Turkey.
The agreement, signed on February 19th, 2024, aims to strengthen Somalia’s ability to protect its coastline and includes training and support for its naval force. This comes amidst rising tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia over the latter’s agreement with the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has vowed to “defend itself” if Ethiopia proceeds with the port deal, further escalating the dispute between the two nations.
Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland, in exchange for potential recognition
of its statehood, grants them access to a strategic coastline and plans for a naval base.
The dispute remained largely unaddressed at the recent African Union summit, despite heightened tensions and attempts by President Mohamud to enter the secure zone in Addis Ababa. Somalia, backed by the US and Europe, argues that the port deal could benefit the militant group Al-Shabaab.
This latest development with Turkey adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation in the Horn of Africa. It remains to be seen how Ethiopia will react to this move and whether the regional dispute can be resolved peacefully.
