Somalia-Ethiopia standoff intensifies as port access talks collapse

Edited By: Aminata Diallo

Diplomatic tensions are escalating between Somalia and Ethiopia as negotiations mediated by Turkey over a disputed port access agreement stall. The deal, signed in January 2024 between Ethiopia and Somaliland, would give Ethiopia access to a portion of coastline in exchange for backing Somaliland’s international recognition—an arrangement Somalia strongly condemns as a breach of its sovereignty.

While Turkey has led mediation efforts since February, no breakthrough has been achieved. Somalia has launched a diplomatic campaign, appealing to the United Nations and meeting with regional powers like Egypt, which recently pledged military cooperation and support for maritime security in the Red Sea. Ethiopia, meanwhile, insists sea access is vital for its economic development, further deepening the rift.

This dispute risks destabilizing the already fragile Horn of Africa, drawing international concern amid competing interests and regional power plays. Latest news from East Africa, security challenges in the Sahel, land and sea disputes, and Red Sea maritime tensions continue to shape the geopolitical landscape, with no resolution in sight.