A declaration between Ethiopia and Somalia, brokered by Turkey, is seen as a key step forward in the relationship between the two nations, according to foreign relations expert Will Brown. This development follows a year of rising tensions in the Horn of Africa.
Brown, a senior fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, described the Ankara Declaration as “potentially significant”, marking a new chapter in regional diplomacy. He explained that Turkey’s growing influence in the Horn of Africa is primarily due to its successful trade and defence initiatives, which have helped it emerge as a notable player on the African continent.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Brown highlighted the importance of the agreement, facilitated by Turkey.
“The developments emerging from Ankara are potentially a major turning point,” said Brown, who is based in Brussels.
Europe’s diminishing influence in Africa
According to Brown, African nations increasingly find engagement with Turkey more appealing than dealing with the complex and fragmented framework of Europe, with its 27 different member states each pursuing their own agendas. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Europe remains Africa’s largest trading partner.
“Europeans are working to ensure that African nations have a stronger role on the global stage,” Brown explained. “However, many European policymakers still hold outdated views of Africa.”
He further pointed out that many Europeans continue to view Africa primarily as a region in need of aid or a source of migration, rather than recognising it as a continent rich in potential, with a growing population of youthful and talented individuals.
Brown also noted that Europe’s focus on Africa has diminished due to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has redirected much of Europe’s attention and resources elsewhere.
Turkey’s growing role in Africa
“Turkey has emerged as a major influence in the Horn of Africa, driven by its expanding trade relations, active involvement in Somalia, and the appeal of its Bayraktar drones,” said Brown.
The European Commission’s 2024 Enlargement Package “Turkey Report” also highlighted Turkey’s increasing presence across Africa. The report underscored Turkey’s balanced approach to conflicts in Somalia and Sudan, as well as its role as a mediator.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia began earlier this year when Ethiopia signed a deal with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland to use the port of Berbera on the Red Sea. Since then, Turkey has worked to alleviate the growing rift between the two countries.
The Ankara Declaration was formalised during a meeting hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also in attendance.
“We have made the first step towards a new era based on peace and cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia,” President Erdoğan stated during a joint press conference in Ankara.
The leaders of Ethiopia and Somalia expressed their mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity, alongside their commitment to international law, the UN Charter, and the African Union’s founding principles, as stated by Turkey’s Communications Directorate.
