Somalia Firm on MoU Stance Despite Talks with Ethiopia

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ANKARA: Somalia and Ethiopia agreed to a ‘peaceful resolution of their differences’ following mediation by Turkey on Monday but maintains its tough stance against the controversial Ethiopia MoU.

According to the statement, the meeting ‘explored perspectives’ towards addressing their disputes ‘within a mutually acceptable framework.’

Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in a press conference following the meeting that the parties expressed their sensitivities in detail to enable all sides to get a better understanding. He added there will be need for a follow-up meeting for ‘further reflections’ because of the complicated nature of the many dynamics at play.

Speaking in Mogadishu following the talks, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said there was ”no indications so far that they [Ethiopia] are turning back from that path.’ He added the ministers from both sides did not hold direct talks but were instead mediated by their Turkish counterpart.

The meeting, which is a first with an agreement comes amid a heightened row between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa following the January 1 Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the break-away region of Somaliland.

Somalia has maintained it would not be negotiating with Ethiopia unless it withdraws the MoU which has received local and international condemnation.

The meeting on Monday which was chaired by Turkey’s Foreign Affairs Minister Hakan Fidan resolved to set another meeting for September 2.