In an attempt to ease tensions and end the dispute with Somalia, Mohamud Ali Yusuf, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Djibouti, has suggested that Ethiopia be granted complete control over a port that is situated fewer than 100 kilometers from the border.
This proposal is made in light of Ethiopia’s strategic goals of gaining maritime access, which have already resulted in a deal for Somaliland to use the port of Berbera.
But by giving Ethiopia direct port administration and access, this Djiboutian project seeks to solve Ethiopia’s landlocked situation and its desire for marine access without infringing on Somali sovereignty, thereby defusing tensions in the region.
Djibouti’s action may be interpreted as an effort to improve relations in the Horn of Africa, where disputes over sea rights and port access have been major causes of tension.