Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is flying to Turkey for high-stakes discussions‚ as the horn of Africa faces new challenges. The Turkish-led meeting aims to fix issues between Somalia and Ethiopia; its the third such get-together in recent weeks
The talks come after Ethiopiaʼs controversial move: Abiy Ahmedʼs government made a deal with Somaliland (a self-ruled region since early 90s) to get sea access. The agreement includes Ethiopiaʼs promise to recognize Somaliland - something that makes Somalia very un-happy
Ethiopia which has anti-terror forces in Somalia wants to build a port near where two big seas meet; this whole thing is making the area un-stable. The landlocked countryʼs deal includes getting a piece of land from Somaliland in exchange for political backing. Somaliaʼs government doesnt accept Somalilandʼs wish to be independent even though theyʼve been running their own stuff for about three decades
The situation is making new friends and foes in east Africa. Somalia is getting closer to Egypt (whoʼs mad at Ethiopia about their big dam project) and Eritrea - both countries that dont really like Ethiopiaʼs actions. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan will try to help both sides find some middle-ground