On December 12, 2024, the United Nations welcomed a Türkiye-mediated agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia aimed at resolving longstanding tensions between the two nations. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric described the Ankara Declaration as a significant step towards peace and cooperation.
The agreement was announced following a meeting in Ankara, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Erdogan emphasized the importance of this pact as a new beginning based on mutual respect.
Dujarric expressed the UN's readiness to support the implementation of the agreement and highlighted that dialogue is essential for addressing deep-rooted differences. He noted that the technical negotiations are expected to commence by February 2025, with a target to conclude discussions within four months.
This agreement follows a period of increased regional tension after Ethiopia recognized Somaliland's independence and established access to the Red Sea port of Berbera, prompting significant backlash from Somalia.
The UN's endorsement of the Ankara Declaration signals a hopeful turn in East African relations, with potential implications for broader regional stability.