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The ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have escalated following the postponement of the third round of talks between the two nations, which were set to take place in Ankara, Turkey. The talks were initially scheduled for September 17, 2024, but have been delayed due to conflicts with the United Nations General Assembly.
This development comes after a memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland in January sparked tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. Previous rounds of talks facilitated by Turkey in July and August did not yield any significant results. The new date for the talks has not yet been set, but they are expected to resume after the UN General Assembly concludes.
Regional tensions have intensified with reports of Egypt sending military officers and equipment to Somalia, potentially involving up to 10,000 soldiers. In response, Ethiopia has issued a warning, expressing concerns about potential destabilization in the region. Internal debates within Somalia have also emerged, with some MPs from the South West State opposing the deal between Somalia and Egypt.
Somalia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, recently mentioned the possibility of engaging with armed rebels in Ethiopia, although this option has not been pursued. The postponement of the talks and the external involvement in Somalia have added complexity to the already strained relations between Ethiopia and Somalia. The situation remains volatile, and the outcome of future discussions between the two nations will be crucial for regional stability.
