Kenya, Uganda lead efforts to resolve Ethiopia-Somalia dispute over Somaliland

Kenyan President William Ruto announced on Saturday that Kenya and Uganda will mediate a growing dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia, a conflict that risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa.

The tension centers on Somalia’s plans to recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty in exchange for building a port in the breakaway region, a move Ethiopia opposes.

“Because the security of Somalia … contributes significantly to the stability of our region and the environment for investors and businesspeople and entrepreneurs to thrive,” Ruto said at a news conference, underscoring the high stakes for regional stability and economic development.

Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with thousands of troops stationed in Somalia to fight al-Qaida-linked insurgents, has expressed discontent with Somalia’s alignment with Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 but has not gained international recognition.

The dispute has complicated Somalia’s foreign relations, pulling Mogadishu closer to Egypt—an Ethiopian rival over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam—and Eritrea, another adversary of Addis Ababa.

Several previous attempts to resolve the feud, including negotiations in Ankara, Turkey, have failed to achieve a breakthrough. Ethiopian officials have not yet responded to the latest mediation initiative.

As regional leaders step in, the outcome of this diplomatic effort will have significant implications for the Horn of Africa’s stability and economic prospects.