Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for enhanced regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa, following his mediation of a landmark agreement between Ethiopia and Somalia aimed at de-escalating tensions over maritime access and territorial sovereignty.
During a visit to Addis Ababa, Erdoğan stood alongside Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to highlight the signing of the Ankara Declaration on December 11, 2024. The trilateral agreement, brokered in Ankara with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, formally ended a diplomatic crisis triggered by Ethiopia’s 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland. That pact proposed Ethiopian port development in the breakaway region in exchange for potential recognition of its independence, a move Mogadishu condemned as a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Erdoğan stressed that external geopolitical competition must not destabilize the region, reiterating Ankara’s view that any potential Israeli recognition of Somaliland would be counterproductive. He framed the declaration as a victory for dialogue, stating Turkey’s commitment to facilitating peaceful resolutions to regional disputes. The Turkish president also underscored expanding bilateral ties with Ethiopia, citing joint projects in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and tourism.
The visit further showcased Turkey’s soft-power initiatives, including the restoration of the historic Al-Nejashi Mosque in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, damaged during the recent conflict. Erdoğan described the project, led by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), as a reinforcement of centuries-old cultural bonds. Educational programs by the Maarif Foundation were also noted as part of this people-to-people engagement.
For his part, Prime Minister Abiy confirmed that discussions with Erdoğan included Ethiopia’s ongoing quest for secure sea access—a critical economic priority for the landlocked nation. Abiy acknowledged Turkey’s potential diplomatic support for achieving this goal through peaceful channels, citing logistical constraints and lack of direct maritime access as major barriers to economic growth.
The Ankara Declaration represents a significant step in mending relations between two key Horn of Africa states, with Turkey positioning itself as a neutral mediator. Analysts note that the agreement temporarily suspends the Ethiopia-Somaliland port deal, requiring further bilateral talks. The success of this Turkish-led diplomacy may influence future regional cooperation on security and economic integration, while highlighting Ankara’s growing strategic footprint in East Africa.
