Kenya’s President William Ruto announced on Saturday that he, alongside Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, would mediate a growing rift between Ethiopia and Somalia. The conflict, centered on Ethiopia’s plans to build a port in Somaliland in exchange for potential recognition of its sovereignty, has raised concerns about regional stability.
Ethiopia, a landlocked nation with thousands of troops in Somalia battling al-Qaeda-linked insurgents, has faced opposition from Mogadishu over its support for Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that has sought international recognition since 1991.
The dispute has deepened alliances between Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea—countries with long-standing tensions with Ethiopia. Egypt has opposed Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River, citing concerns over water rights, while Eritrea has had strained relations with Addis Ababa for years.
President Ruto emphasized the importance of Somali stability, linking it to the broader security and economic prospects of the region. “The security of Somalia contributes significantly to the stability of our region and provides an environment for businesses and investors to thrive,” Ruto stated during a news conference.
Attempts to mediate the feud in Ankara, Turkey, have so far been unsuccessful. Ethiopian and Somali officials have not yet commented on Ruto’s announcement.
The mediation effort underscores the critical role of regional collaboration in addressing disputes that threaten to destabilize the Horn of Africa.
