Latest Developments in Ethiopian-Somali Relations in Dec 2024.

Ethiopia and Somalia spent most of 2024 at odds after Ethiopia made a deal with Somaliland in January. This deal gave Ethiopia access to ports and military bases, which Somalia saw as supporting Somaliland’s claim to independence. Somalia obviously fiercely oposes this position. Tensions grew as both sides stood firm.

Turkey stepped in to mediate as the situation worsened. President Erdoğan helped broker an agreement called the Ankara Declaration on December 11. Both Ethiopia and Somalia agreed to stop escalating the conflict and start technical talks in February 2025 to settle their differences. Turkey’s role showed its growing influence in the Horn of Africa and its interest in keeping the region stable.

This agreement is about more than Ethiopia and Somalia’s immediate conflict. It is a chance to see if the Horn of Africa can solve disputes without violence. Ethiopia and Somalia will need to build trust to find common ground. The success of these talks could shape not just their future but also the role of countries like Turkey, the UK, and the EU in keeping peace in one of the world’s most fragile regions.