Nairobi, Kenya – Kenya and Uganda have offered to mediate in a deepening dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, driven by a contentious port development in Somaliland, a self-declared independent region.
The row has raised fears of destabilization in the Horn of Africa, an already fragile region grappling with insurgencies and humanitarian crises.
Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Saturday that he and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, had proposed to broker talks between the two nations.
At the center of the dispute is Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland to construct a port that would bolster the landlocked nation’s access to maritime trade.
The deal reportedly includes Ethiopia’s willingness to consider recognizing Somaliland’s independence—an act Somalia’s government deems a direct affront to its sovereignty.
Somalia, which regards Somaliland as an integral part of its territory, has vehemently opposed the agreement, calling it a violation of international norms.
“Ethiopia’s actions undermine our territorial integrity and regional unity,” said Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in February
Meanwhile, the diplomatic standoff has triggered a realignment of regional alliances.
Somalia has since moved closer to Egypt and Eritrea, both of which have historically had tense relations with Ethiopia.
Egypt, in particular, has intensified its engagement, offering to deploy peacekeeping troops to Somalia as the African Union’s mission winds down next month.
Ethiopia, which has thousands of troops stationed in Somalia to combat al-Shabaab, a militant Islamist group linked to al-Qaeda, has warned that it may withdraw its forces if the tensions persist.
Analysts say the dispute could jeopardize ongoing efforts to fight al-Shabaab and could create a security vacuum, giving the militabt group an opportunity to regroup and expand.
The African Union has urged both nations to exercise restraint, emphasizing that regional cooperation is crucial for maintaining peace and stability.
Previous mediation attempts, including those led by Turkey, have failed to yield significant results, leaving hopes pinned on the latest Kenyan and Ugandan efforts.
Regional observers warn that a prolonged standoff could have dire consequences for the Horn of Africa, a region already reeling from drought, famine, and conflict.
Kenya and Uganda are expected to convene preliminary discussions with Ethiopian and Somali leaders in the coming weeks, though neither side has formally committed to dialogue.
For now, the Horn of Africa watches anxiously, hoping for a diplomatic breakthrough to avert further unrest.
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