NAIROBI – Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Saturday that Kenya and Uganda would jointly mediate a growing conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia, which threatens the stability of the Horn of Africa region.
The dispute revolves around Ethiopia’s plans to develop a port in Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, in exchange for potentially recognizing its independence. This move has infuriated Somalia’s central government, which considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory and opposes any actions that might bolster its sovereignty claims.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and has maintained relative peace and stability compared to the rest of Somalia, but it remains unrecognized internationally.
The rift has broader regional implications. Ethiopia’s actions risk alienating Somalia, where Ethiopian troops play a critical role in fighting Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group. Meanwhile, Somalia’s closer alignment with Ethiopia’s adversaries, including Egypt and Eritrea, has heightened tensions. Egypt has long-standing disputes with Ethiopia over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River, further complicating the regional dynamic.
President Ruto underscored the importance of resolving the conflict to ensure regional peace and economic progress. “The security of Somalia… contributes significantly to the stability of our region and the environment for investors, business people, and entrepreneurs to thrive,” he stated during a news conference.
Previous efforts to mediate the dispute, including talks in Ankara, Turkey, have failed to achieve a breakthrough. Both Ethiopian and Somali officials have yet to comment on the renewed mediation efforts led by Kenya and Uganda.
This development marks a critical test for regional diplomacy, as the Horn of Africa seeks to balance security and cooperation amidst complex political tensions.