Somalia-Ethiopia tensions escalate as port deal talks stall

Africanews (in English)

Somalia-Ethiopia tensions escalate as port deal talks stall  Tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia are escalating as mediation efforts over a controversial port access pact stall. The talks, brokered by Turkey since February 2024, aim to resolve a dispute triggered by a deal signed in January 2024 between Ethiopia and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.  READ MORE : http://www.africanews.com/2025/07/12/somalia-ethiopia-tensions-escalate-as-port-deal-talks-stall  Subscribe on our Dailymotion channel and receive all the latest news from the continent.    Africanews is available in English and French.  Website : www.africanews.com  Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/africanews.channel/  Twitter : https://twitter.com/africanews

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00:00Tensions are rising between Somalia and Ethiopia as peace talks over a controversial port access deal remain installed.

00:08Since February, Turkey has been mediating negotiations between the two countries,

00:13hoping to ease a growing dispute triggered by a 2024 agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland.

00:20The deal gives Ethiopia access to a 20-kilometre stretch of coastline in return for a possible path to recognising Somaliland.

00:28Somalia sees it as a clear violation of its sovereignty.

00:32In response, Mogadishu has launched a strong diplomatic campaign to oppose the pact, drawing international attention.

00:40On January 3rd, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed repeated his position,

00:46calling access to the sea a matter tied to economic development.

00:50The deadlock is drawing in regional powers.

00:52Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohammed earlier this week,

01:01promising increased military support to protect Red Sea security.

01:05Many see that move as a direct counter to Ethiopia's maritime ambitions.

01:10With no new negotiation dates announced,

01:13it appears the situation will remain unresolved for the foreseeable future.

01:17It appears the situation will remain unresolved for the foreseeable future.

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