In an effort to defuse rising tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has appointed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to lead negotiation efforts.

Tensions between the neighboring countries heightened after the secessionist region of Somaliland inked a deal with Ethiopia on January 1st, giving Ethiopia control over a maritime port and a military base on the Red Sea.
Somalia has recently made statements indicating readiness for war, raising concerns about a potential conflict.
This is not the first time the two nations have butted heads, with historical disputes over territory and an Ethiopian intervention in Somalia in 2006 as part of counter-terrorism efforts.
Somaliland’s desire to grant Ethiopia access to its territory is aimed at bolstering its bid for recognition as an independent state, a claim it has upheld since its secession from Somalia in 1991.
The task at hand for Obasanjo is a formidable one, complicated by the delicate geopolitical maneuvering between the countries. Notably, Somalia recently turned away an Ethiopian flight bound for Somaliland, leading to further complications in the already strained relations.
In a bid to guide the negotiations, the PSC has emphasized the adherence to fundamental principles of the AU and international law by both Ethiopia and Somalia, unequivocally urging for respectful and lawful conduct in their bilateral and international relations.
However, amidst the diplomatic initiatives, Somalia has adamantly stated its refusal to engage in discussions with Ethiopia unless the latter reverses its agreement with Somaliland, citing a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
As the situation unfolds, the PSC has called for non-interference by external parties, while the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a summit to address the issue. The discussions between the involved parties are expected to unfold against a backdrop of mixed signals and firm stances.
The eagerly awaited outcome of these negotiations remains unclear, setting the stage for a complex and pivotal moment in the region’s geopolitics.

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