Commentaries | Dec 11,2020
In a landmark diplomatic manoeuvre sought to defuse rising tensions in the Horn of Africa, Djibouti has extended an unprecedented offer to Ethiopia of complete management control of the strategic Port of Tadjourah. According to its Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the proposal is part of Djibouti's efforts to mediate the escalating dispute between Ethiopia and Somalia.
Foreign Minister Youssouf revealed that his country is offering Ethiopia "100pc management rights over the Port of Tadjourah," 120Km from the Ethiopian border. The port, which sits on a newly constructed corridor, is positioned as a potential alternative for Ethiopia’s leaders growing demand for access to the sea, a lifeline for the landlocked country that relies heavily on Djibouti’s ports for its maritime trade.
The proposal comes at a time of heightened tension between Somalia and Ethiopia, sparked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Ethiopia entered with Somaliland, the self-declared independent region of Somalia. Somalia's leaders have argued that the MOU undermines their country's territorial integrity, a claim that has further strained relations in a region already beset by instability.
"The sovereignty of countries should be respected," said Minister Youssouf, speaking with the BBC’s "Focus on Africa" on Saturday.
Djibouti's Foreign Minister urged Ethiopia and Somalia to dial down their rhetoric and engage in constructive dialogue. A day before, his Ethiopian counterpart, Taye Astqesellasie, said his country has no desire to confront Somalia, where Ethiopian regiments are deployed as peacekeeping missions under the African Union (AU) flag. Djibouti’s latest offer to Ethiopia is seen as a strategic move to prevent the dispute's escalation and protect the region from further destabilisation. Youssouf warned that ongoing tensions could spill over into neighbouring countries, including Djibouti, which has thus far remained relatively stable amidst regional turmoil.
"We're calling both governments to de-escalate first in the narratives and the rhetoric," said Minister Youssouf, adding that Djibouti, along with Kenya and other regional players, is ready to resume mediation efforts.
As Djibouti prepares to engage further with regional leaders, including possible meetings at an upcoming summit in Beijing, Youssouf expressed hope that the offer would pave the way for renewed dialogue between Somalia and Ethiopia, averting a potential crisis and reinforcing the importance of sovereignty and cooperation in the Horn of Africa.
According to Berisso Amalo, CEO of Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics Services Company (ESL), while Tadjourah port's proximity offers potential benefits, success will depend on both Ethiopia's government's answers to take on management responsibilities and Djibouti's ability to provide the necessary infrastructure and support.
"We've mostly used it to import coal," he told Fortune.
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