Türkiye as a Mediator between Somalia and Ethiopia

On July 1, 2024, Ethiopian Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie and Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi met in Ankara, hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. During their meeting, they signed the “Joint Ankara Statement”, scheduling a follow-up session for early September in Ankara. The discussions demonstrated their commitment to resolving differences peacefully, and they acknowledged Türkiye's mediation role in these important talks.

Why is there a need for Mediation?

Relations between Ethiopia and Somalia were strained over a series of foreign policy issues, notably exacerbated by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia. The controversial agreement, concluded in January 2024, would grant landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea via Somaliland’s Port of Berbera in exchange for Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence. The deal was contested by Somalia, accusing Ethiopia of impinging upon its sovereignty. The ensuing crisis has the potential to lead to more adverse shifts in regional dynamics. It also reveals the pressing need for dialogue and mediation between the conflicting parties.

Shortly after the signing of the MoU between Ethiopia and Somaliland, defense ministers of Türkiye and Somalia met in early February to sign a defense and economic cooperation framework agreement. The deal underscores the paramount importance of maritime security in an already volatile region and the need to strengthen Somalia’s capabilities amidst the region’s complex security challenges.

Hailed by the Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre as historic, the deal aims to enhance Somalia’s capabilities against terrorism, piracy and external threats. This emphasis on the need for protection against “external interference” led many to question if the deal is related to Somalia’s turbulent relations with Ethiopia.

Is the deal against Ethiopia?

In his opinion piece, Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Abdulkadir Mohamed noted that “its foundation was carefully crafted through a decade of commitment since 2011.” Although the recent Türkiye and Somalia deal coincided with Somalia seeking external support in response to the Ethiopia-Somaliland MoU, such agreements typically require careful planning and time. The same applies to the cooperation deal between Türkiye and Somalia.

However, it is also the case that Mogadishu is also seeking all the external support it can to bolster its military capabilities. Shortly after the ratification of the deal with Türkiye, Somalia’s Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Daud Aweis, said on X that the cabinet endorsed a 10-year defense pact with Türkiye, a NATO member and close ally, which will significantly bolster Somalia’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty.

The reference to Türkiye’s NATO membership refers to its military capabilities, sending a clear message to potential adversaries that the strong relations between the two countries will continue under the agreement.

Türkiye affirmed its support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity underscoring its commitment to international law. However, Ankara also has strong and established relations with Ethiopia, making it a trustworthy mediator.

What’s next?

As Turkish FM Hakan Fidan noted during the joint press conference, the meeting between Somalia and Ethiopia refers to “the strong confidence and the mandate both sides vested in Türkiye.” Mediators play a crucial role in resolving conflicts by facilitating communication between conflicting parties and paving the way for constructive dialogue while maintaining neutrality. In other words, a crucial aspect of a mediation process is the mediator’s impartiality.

Türkiye has solid ties with Somalia. Assuming a leading role in Somalia’s post-war construction process, Türkiye has provided training to Somalia’s armed forces to strengthen their capacity, especially against al-Shabab. In addition to the establishment of its largest military training facility in Mogadishu (TURKSOM) in 2017, symbolic acts such as Turkish Airlines’ direct flights to Mogadishu and the inauguration of Türkiye’s largest embassy in the city reveal Türkiye’s expanding interest. Turkish companies also undertake significant infrastructure projects in Somalia.

On the other hand, Türkiye also has robust relations with Ethiopia. Having launched its first embassy in the African continent in Addis Ababa in 1926, TIKA (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency), opened its first office in Sub-Saharan Africa, in Ethiopia in 2005. Turkish companies have substantial investments in the country. Besides, Turkish Maarif Foundation operates seven schools there. The use of Bayraktar TB2 drones supplied to Addis Ababa under a military cooperation agreement was instrumental in the withdrawal of rebel Tigrayan fighters from Ethiopia’s capital in 2022.

As shifting power dynamics and geopolitical alignments signal a new era for the Horn of Africa, both parties have an interest in preventing further conflicts. In addition to the escalating tensions between regional countries, Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea sparked concerns of maritime security on one of the busiest shipping routes of the world. All these suggest that cooperation for the regional security is more urgent than ever. Türkiye can play a constructive and reconciliatory role by fostering a cooperative environment to find non-exclusionary solutions to disagreements.

The views expressed here are those of the author.