The recent Ankara Agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia, brokered by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoฤan, has introduced new dynamics in the Horn of Africa, eliciting varied reactions from neighboring countries, notably Eritrea.
Abdulkadir Idris, Adviser on African Affairs at Eritreaโs Foreign Ministry, expressed concerns over the ambiguities within the agreement. He emphasized that if Ethiopia were to gain access to the Red Sea, it could pose a security threat to Eritrea, potentially compelling the nation to take defensive measures.
Ethiopiaโs aspiration for maritime access is longstanding, especially since becoming landlocked following Eritreaโs independence in 1993. In January 2024, Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland, granting access to the port of Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somalilandโs independence. This move was met with strong opposition from Somalia, which views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory. The MoU was described by former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire as a โdormant volcanoโ threatening Somaliaโs stability.
The Ankara Agreement, finalized in December 2024, aims to de-escalate tensions by reaffirming Somaliaโs territorial integrity and initiating negotiations for Ethiopia to lease a Somali port, thereby providing Ethiopia with the much-desired sea access. While this agreement has garnered international praise for promoting regional stability, it has also raised concerns among neighboring countries.
Eritreaโs apprehensions stem from the potential geopolitical shifts that Ethiopian access to the Red Sea might trigger. The Red Sea is a strategic maritime corridor, and any changes in its access and control dynamics are closely monitored by bordering nations. Eritreaโs concerns highlight the intricate balance of power and the sensitivity surrounding territorial and maritime agreements in the region.
The situation underscores the complexities of regional politics in the Horn of Africa, where historical grievances, strategic interests, and national security considerations intersect. As Ethiopia and Somalia proceed with their negotiations, the perspectives and concerns of neighboring countries like Eritrea will play a crucial role in shaping the future geopolitical landscape of the region.
Via horn review
