Somalia is in discussions to grant Ethiopia access to an Indian Ocean port to help the landlocked nation secure a direct trade route. Talks aim to produce a framework by June 2025, detailing the type and costs of the port. This comes amid tensions over Ethiopia’s plans with Somaliland, which Somalia claims as its territory, and reflects Ethiopia’s long-standing reliance on neighboring countries for port access.
Somalia is considering granting Ethiopia access to a port on the Indian Ocean, potentially facilitating a new trade route for the landlocked nation. Talks are underway between the two countries, with a framework agreement aimed for completion by June 2025, according to Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Mohamed Omar. This agreement will define the port type, location, and associated costs.
The discussions follow increased tensions related to Ethiopia’s plans to secure port access through the self-governing region of Somaliland, which Somalia claims as its territory. In January 2024, Ethiopia announced its intent to reach an agreement with Somaliland that included access to a port and a military base, provoking a dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud agreed to resolve ongoing disputes, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s mediation in December 2024. Meanwhile, Somalia has previously announced plans for a new port construction project in Hobyo with Metag Holding, indicating ongoing infrastructure developments.
Ethiopia has been landlocked since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, making it heavily reliant on neighboring countries for port access. The proposed agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia could significantly enhance Ethiopia’s ability to engage in international trade, crucial for its economy, which is the third-largest in sub-Saharan Africa.
The potential agreement for port access between Somalia and Ethiopia could mark a significant turning point in their relations. With ongoing negotiations, planned construction in Hobyo, and efforts to resolve territorial disputes, the steps taken by both nations might pave the way for increased trade opportunities and economic growth. This development also highlights Ethiopia’s ongoing struggle with being landlocked and its reliance on regional partnerships.
Original Source: gcaptain.com
