Somalia announces deal with Turkey to deter Ethiopia's access to sea through a breakaway region

0
3K

Somalia announced on Wednesday a defense deal with Turkey that includes support for the Horn of Africa nation's sea assets and appears aimed at deterring Ethiopia's efforts to secure access to the sea by way of the breakaway region of Somaliland.

Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with Somaliland on Jan. 1. The document has rattled Somalia, which said it's prepared to go to war over it because it considers Somaliland part of its territory. Somaliland says Ethiopia agreed to recognize its independence in return for a naval port.

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre described the defense and economic deal with Turkey as “a historic day for the country,” after the council of ministers approved it.

“Somalia will have a true ally, a friend, and a brother in the international arena,” he said.

Details of that agreement have not been made public, but Somalia sees such a deal as an act of aggression, even though Somaliland has enjoyed de facto independence for three decades.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told reporters on Saturday that senior officers from Ethiopia’s military were in Somaliland “preparing the ground” for the territory’s annexation.

Ethiopia has not addressed the allegations but its Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has downplayed fear of conflict, telling lawmakers earlier this month that he had “no intention” of going to war with Somalia. With a population of more than 120 million, Ethiopia is the most populous landlocked country in the world.

Turkey is a key player in Somalia, one of several Gulf Arab states jockeying for influence in a country that lies on the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden — a pathway to the Red Sea.

Under the deal announced Wednesday, Turkey will provide training and equipment to the Somali navy so it can better safeguard its territorial waters from threats such as terrorism, piracy, and “foreign interference.”

The deal, first signed by the two countries' defence ministers on Feb. 8, will be in force for a decade, according to Somali authorities.

“For Somalia, it offers crucial support for security and development initiatives, while for Turkey, it represents an opportunity to expand its influence and deepen its engagement in Africa,” said Mohamed H. Gaas, an analyst who heads the think tank Raad Peace Research Institute in Mogadishu, the Somali capital.

Patrocinado
Pesquisar
Patrocinado
Categorias
Leia Mais
Health
Andheri escorts service near Mumbai Airport,❤ 07506202331 * cheap call girls
Welcome to Mumbai Luxury Escorts Service Agency. We offer a wide range of beautiful female...
Por rinkishingh 2024-08-05 18:34:42 0 6K
Outro
Market Analysis, Insight Recent innovation & upcoming trends Thermal Management Market
Thermal management market will reach at an estimated value of USD 9,898.95 million by 2028...
Por sophiyagrew 2023-09-26 11:59:07 0 4K
Outro
Electrically Conductive Adhesive Strategic Research and Precise Outlook 2028
The Electrically Conductive Adhesive Market sector is undergoing rapid transformation,...
Por kshdbmr 2025-01-17 04:36:42 0 2K
Outro
Private Tutoring: Customized Support for Every Student
  Introduction: Private tutoring has become increasingly popular among students looking...
Por katiegloria 2025-02-08 08:28:39 0 2K
Health
What is the difference between an ICSI procedure and a normal fertilization procedure when it comes to treating male factor infertility
Infertility is a growing concern worldwide, affecting both men and women. In cases of male factor...
Por aliraza 2025-02-22 06:50:42 0 2K
Patrocinado
google-site-verification: google037b30823fc02426.html