According to a report by Reuters, Kenya has put forward a proposal for a regional maritime treaty in order to address an escalating dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia over a port access agreement signed by breakaway Somaliland and Addis Ababa.
Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, Korir Sing’oei, stated that the proposed measure, developed in consultation with Djibouti and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), would regulate how landlocked states in the region can obtain commercial access to ports. Sing’oei also mentioned that IGAD has the capability to formulate a treaty for the sharing of maritime resources.
The tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia have been heightened since January when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland’s president signed a 50-year agreement granting Ethiopia access to the port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden. Somalia, which still considers Somaliland as part of its territory, has condemned the deal as a violation of its territorial integrity. Prime Minister Abiy has emphasized the importance of the agreement for Ethiopia’s economic needs but has denied allegations that his government is attempting to seize Somali lands.
According to reports, Kenya’s foreign affairs principal secretary has stated that if approved, Nairobi’s proposed treaty would provide Ethiopia with “stable and predictable access to maritime resources.” This agreement would enable Ethiopia, the second-most populous country in Africa, to conduct business freely while also respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The principal secretary emphasized that they are actively engaging with all parties involved to ensure stability in the region. These comments were made following a meeting between Somalia’s president and Kenya’s counterpart to discuss a diplomatic solution to the dispute. However, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs has refuted reports of a maritime treaty involving Somalia and Ethiopia, asserting that Somalia remains steadfast in protecting its territorial integrity and calls for a focus on peace and stability in the region.
