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Djibouti's Bold Offer to Ethiopia: A Gateway to Peace in the Horn of Africa?

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Driss / The port of Tadjourah in Djibouti
The port of Tadjourah in Djibouti - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 31.08.2024
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On January 1, Ethiopia and the unrecognized republic of Somaliland signed a memorandum granting Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea. Following this, Somalia's authorities recalled the ambassador to Addis Ababa and annulled the agreement between Somaliland and Ethiopia.
Djibouti has offered Ethiopia the opportunity to manage one of its key ports, Djibouti's Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, said in an interview with the BBC.
The strategic offer includes Ethiopia taking "100%" control of the Tadjourah port, located 100 km from the Ethiopian border.
The proposal is seen as a significant move to address Ethiopia's ongoing challenge of being landlocked and without direct access to a seaport. By managing the Tadjourah port, Ethiopia could secure a vital maritime outlet, potentially easing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly with Somalia. These tensions have been exacerbated by Ethiopia's recent agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, for sea gate access.
Ethiopia's Foreign Minister Taye Atske Selassie - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 31.08.2024
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In addition to the port management, Djibouti's proposal includes the construction of a new corridor that would connect Ethiopia to the sea, further enhancing its access to international trade routes. This offer was reportedly presented to Ethiopian officials by Djibouti's President, Omar Guleh, though details on the agreement's implementation, oversight, and specific terms remain unclear.
Foreign Minister Yusuf highlighted that the offer is intended to strengthen regional stability and cooperation, particularly between Ethiopia and its neighbors.
This proposal comes at a time of heightened diplomatic activity in the Horn of Africa, as countries in the region navigate complex relationships and seek to enhance their economic and security interests. If accepted, Djibouti’s offer could mark a significant shift in the region’s dynamics, providing Ethiopia with a much-needed seaport while potentially reducing friction with Somalia and other neighboring states.
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