Kenya’s President William Ruto has stepped up efforts to facilitate behind-the-scenes diplomacy to alleviate tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, driven by business interests in both nations.
It is anticipated that as of this week, both Addis Ababa and Mogadishu will scale back their public criticisms of each other, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
President Ruto hosted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia and Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Nairobi, with Dr. Abiy visiting on a state visit and Mohamud attending the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (Unea-6) at the Unep headquarters.
Discussions with the Kenyan leader focused on security and economic concerns in the Horn of Africa region.
“The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen their close partnership across various fronts, including enhancing bilateral economic and security cooperation for the mutual benefit of the people of Somalia and Kenya,” stated a dispatch following the meeting between Dr. Ruto and Mr. Mohamud at State House, Nairobi.
Diplomatic sources informed The East African that Kenya’s objective was to prevent the escalation of tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia. Since January, Addis Ababa and Mogadishu have engaged in public disputes following Ethiopia’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to access the sea with Somaliland, a breakaway region whose independence from Somalia is not internationally recognised.
Kenya attempted to mediate, but Somalia refused to engage in any discussions until Ethiopia rescinded the MoU.
Ethiopia maintained that the agreement was solely for business purposes and not for the annexation of Somali territory.
Commencing Thursday night, as both leaders departed Nairobi, a consensus was reached to cease discussing the matter publicly.
“It’s imperative to avoid escalating tensions by continually criticising each other in public,” emphasised a diplomatic source familiar with the behind-the-scenes negotiations.
“Plans are underway for a meeting in the near future at a location yet to be determined, to continue our engagement.”
Ruto’s determination to address the issue was evident during his meeting with Abiy on Wednesday.
A communication from the meeting indicated that they had agreed to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring countries in the region, a significant decision for the Horn of Africa.
During their meeting at State House, Nairobi, the two leaders pledged to uphold peace, security, and stability on the continent “as a prerequisite for economic growth and development,” according to a joint statement, without explicitly mentioning the Somalia issue.
“Accordingly, they affirmed their commitment to recognise, respect and uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity of state, and to reject unconstitutional changes of government as well as interference in domestic political processes of African countries by external interests.”
Following their visits to Nairobi, Abiy departed for Dar es Salaam, while Mohamud traveled to Antalya, Turkey.
However, the Nairobi Declaration may serve as both a means of preserving dignity and providing protection, particularly for the Ethiopian side.
It could represent a diplomatic victory for Nairobi, which views the dispute as a chance to bolster its diplomatic standing while fostering improved relations between both nations for its own economic benefit.
For Ruto, demonstrating respect for territorial integrity not only appeases Somalia but also ensures that Kenya’s offer for the Lamu port remains the most immediate alternative to Ethiopia’s aspirations for sea access.
Diplomatic sources suggest that Ethiopia believes it has already made significant sacrifices for Somalia’s stability, including deploying troops and collaborating on border security, and therefore should not be suspected of attempting to dismantle Somalia.
In reality, Somalia has experienced tensions with both Ethiopia and Kenya in recent years, accusing them of interfering in its internal affairs and encroaching on its territorial integrity.
Somalia even took Kenya to the International Court of Justice over a maritime boundary dispute and emerged victorious.
However, Nairobi has recently played a pivotal role in advocating for Somalia’s admission into the East African Community, viewing it as a crucial step towards its reconstruction.
Yet, this declaration also serves to shield Ethiopia. Faced with ongoing internal rebellions from militias, Ethiopia has taken forceful measures to suppress them, attracting criticism from primarily Western countries for human rights violations, particularly the detention of journalists.
The visit underscored the importance of addressing longstanding issues between the two sides.
Both parties affirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, health, fisheries, and transport.
Upon Dr. Abiy’s arrival in Nairobi on Tuesday evening, a significant moment unfolded as he was personally greeted by his host at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
This marked the first time Ruto extended such a welcome to a foreign leader, with the two sharing a camaraderie hug amidst the rain before proceeding with the customary formalities for arriving leaders.
Following their meeting, they jointly announced the exemption of Ethiopians from fees associated with an online visitor arrival management system, known as ETA.