INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
A high-stakes diplomatic game over access to the Red Sea reached its climax as Ethiopia abandoned its controversial port agreement with
Somaliland.Turkish President Erdogan brokered the deal between Ethiopia and Somalia on December 11, 2024, after seven hours of intense
negotiations in Ankara.The story began when Ethiopia, desperate for sea access after losing its coastline to Eritrea in 1993, struck a deal
This agreement was made in January 2024.The agreement offered Ethiopia a 20-kilometer stretch of coastline for a naval base
The government in Mogadishu saw it as a direct threat to its territory
Turkey stepped in as a dealmaker
The deal reshapes power dynamics in the Horn of Africa.Ethiopia gains a chance for legitimate sea access through Somalia
Somalia maintains its territorial integrity
Turkey proves its diplomatic muscle in East Africa
Only Somaliland loses out, seeing its independence dreams fade.Money talks in this deal
Ethiopia needs sea access to boost its growing economy
Somalia wants to protect its coastline resources
Turkey strengthens its position as a key investor in both countries.Yet questions remain
How will Somaliland react to being sidelined? Can Ethiopia and Somalia turn this agreement into real cooperation? Will other regional powers
like Egypt and Eritrea accept this new balance?This diplomatic breakthrough matters beyond East Africa
The Red Sea route carries billions in global trade
Stability in the Horn of Africa affects maritime security, regional commerce, and international shipping lanes
The next four months of technical talks will show if this deal can deliver lasting change.
