By: Staff Reporter
As you might have read, the leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia have recently agreed to an agreement in Ankara that will help to thwart the plot which would potentially destroy the Horn of Africa. In the agreement, they indicated they work closely together for mutual prosperity by leaving behind past differences and controversial issues in a spirit of friendship and respect.
During the agreement, Somalia recognized and saluted the Ethiopian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Somalia under the African Union mission. What is the implication of this agreement in terms of achieving lasting peace in the region?
According to seasoned experts and political analysts, East African countries are one entity or relatives destined for common cause. People of the region are connected, never to be reversed, through culture, language, religion and economy.
East Africa is a commercial hub; its geopolitics are complex. Due to its location of global significance, it is a spot where super powers have their eyes on and where friends and enemies are lurking, scholars often say, and no exceptions to the recent dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia.
A significant breakthrough was achieved through Turkish mediation, resulting in an agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia. This agreement has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of regional instability by mitigating the destabilizing actions of certain groups seeking to create chaos in the Horn of Africa. The Ankara Agreement, as it is known, should be viewed as a crucial step forward, as it has effectively de-escalated tensions and thwarted the conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the region.
The thing is that the two countries favored peace over war, valued interests of their respective peoples and even demands of the international community. Although there are no details about the agreement at the moment, it was noted that a lot of work will be done in the next four months. This is a good opportunity for Ethiopia and the region in general. However, as frequently noted, the latest move is a blessing both for Ethiopia, Somali and beyond. The agreement will help to ensure regional peace; narrowing the gaps,
Somalia and Ethiopia are neighboring countries in East Africa, and any tension between these two countries would hugely affect the entire region and beyond as the region is geopolitically competed by super powers. The loss of peace by one will make the other suffer in different ways. In this regard, extensive cooperation is needed for peace and development in the region.
Ethiopia in particular, gives priority to East African countries, mainly after the introduction of the national reform. The country is pursuing peaceful cooperation and economic integration not only with neighboring countries, but also with any country -both from the horn and beyond-which may have their interests guaranteed.
Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa. Despite being a country with a large economy and a leading position in the region, this large country has historically been landlocked. There are very few countries in the world that are as landlocked as Ethiopia. This country has raised a fundamental question, saying that it needs a seaport, a quest welcomed by rational minds.
It also has legal rights under international agreements. When looking at its historical background, it is known that Ethiopia had a port on the Red Sea for a long time. It lost its seaport due to political intrigue. Despite historical injustice, it has now asked neighboring countries to agree on a common interest and say, “I have the right to a seaport; I deserve to have one.”
Of course, Ethiopia has no single desire to violate the sovereignty of any country. Not only that, but Ethiopia has never violated anyone’s borders in its history. Briefly, the Ankara Declaration, between the two countries has brought peace to the region and thwarted the conspiracy of conflict that was being hatched in the region.