The Ankara Declaration, signed on December 12, 2024, under Turkey’s mediation, represents a significant diplomatic step to address longstanding tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.
The agreement seeks to balance Ethiopia’s need for maritime access with Somalia’s reaffirmation of territorial sovereignty. However, its non-binding framework and ambiguous provisions may give Ethiopia a room to present and interpret the terms and implications of the agreement in a way that deviates from its actual content or intent.
This analysis highlights that the Declaration’s aspirational nature relies on mutual goodwill rather than binding commitments, leaving Somalia exposed to interpretative ambiguities. Ethiopia, as a non-signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), lacks a legal basis to claim maritime access, offering Somalia the leverage to frame such access as a privilege rather than an inherent right. From the perspective of state sovereignty doctrine, Ethiopia also lacked the right to compel Somalia into negotiations over maritime access, given Somalia’s full sovereign control over its territory and resources.
Ethiopia’s reliance on a contentious Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland as a bargaining tactic further undermines its position under international law. This move forced Somalia to engage in discussions despite Ethiopia’s inability to assert a legitimate claim. Additionally, the leasing model for port access, if not carefully structured and regulated, could risk undermining Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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