Turkey’s Historic Mediation: Ankara Declaration Resonates Worldwide
Turkey has achieved a historic milestone by resolving the decade-long conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia in the Horn of Africa. Hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud met in Ankara on December 11, culminating in the signing of the Ankara Declaration. The agreement not only ended prolonged tensions but also garnered significant international attention, with reports highlighting the diminished roles of the U.S. and Egypt in the process.
What Does the Agreement Entail?
The Ankara Declaration reaffirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity while addressing Ethiopia’s desire for access to the sea. Both parties agreed to initiate technical negotiations by February 2025 and conclude discussions within four months, under Turkey’s facilitation.
President Erdoğan shed light on the agreement’s details during a press briefing:
“Ethiopia, as a large and landlocked country, needs access to the sea. With Somalia’s sovereignty preserved, we successfully resolved this issue. Negotiations were intense, with moments of stalemate, but Turkey stepped in and brought the process to a fruitful conclusion.”
Have the U.S. and Egypt Been Sidelined?
The Ankara Declaration sparked discussions in global media about the sidelining of traditional regional influencers like the U.S. and Egypt. U.S. outlets acknowledged Turkey’s pivotal role in fostering long-term stability in the region, while highlighting how Egypt’s strategic interests were undermined.
Egyptian media echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the blow to Cairo’s influence in the Horn of Africa. Analysts pointed out that Turkey’s success in bridging Ethiopian and Somali interests demonstrated a shift in regional dynamics, leaving Egypt trailing behind.
Turkey’s Role in Regional Peace and Diplomacy
Turkey’s intervention not only resolved the Ethiopia-Somalia conflict but also showcased a new model of regional cooperation and diplomacy. “Turkey’s peaceful approach is not just a win for Ethiopia and Somalia but a significant contribution to regional stability,” Erdoğan remarked.
Turkey’s mediation succeeded where previous efforts by the Arab League, African Union, Kenya, and Djibouti had failed, marking a triumph in international diplomacy. Analysts agree that the Ankara Declaration underscores Turkey’s growing influence on the global stage and its innovative approach to conflict resolution.
New Regional Dynamics
The agreement also defused tensions sparked by Ethiopia’s January 2024 memorandum with Somaliland, which had caused a diplomatic rift with Somalia. Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and Somaliland’s plans to grant Ethiopia access to the sea had triggered outrage from Somalia’s government.
Turkey’s intervention brought both sides to the table, resulting in an agreement that preserved Somalia’s territorial integrity while meeting Ethiopia’s economic needs. As Erdoğan noted, “The most important outcome of this meeting is Ethiopia gaining access to the sea while respecting Somalia’s sovereignty.”
Turkey’s Rising Influence in the Horn of Africa
The Ankara Declaration is a testament to Turkey’s expanding diplomatic footprint in Africa, overshadowing the influence of traditional powers in the region. Turkey’s successful mediation has not only stabilized Ethiopia-Somalia relations but also set a precedent for future conflict resolution efforts in Africa and beyond.
This historic agreement underscores Turkey’s rising prominence in international diplomacy, fostering hope for long-lasting peace and cooperation in one of the world’s most strategically vital regions.
