President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud left the country for an official visit to Ankara, Turkey on Tuesday evening at the invitation of his host, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
His trip marks a pivotal moment in Somalia-Ethiopia relations, as round three of the Turkey-mediated talks is set to address critical regional issues.
This is the first direct engagement between President Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed since Ethiopia signed a controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland on January 1, 2024.
The agreement, which grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s seaports, has raised significant concerns in Somalia, particularly about its implications for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Turkey’s mediation role highlights its growing influence in the Horn of Africa, where stability and economic integration are key regional priorities.
These talks provide a platform for Somalia to assert its position on the MoU and work toward a resolution that respects its unity while fostering dialogue with Ethiopia.
The outcome could significantly impact regional cooperation, security, and trade, making this a highly anticipated diplomatic engagement.
The first two rounds of Turkey-mediated talks failed to produce tangible results that could be accepted by both Somalia and Ethiopia.