Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, recently expressed that Ethiopia has yet to respond to a proposal aimed at resolving ongoing diplomatic tensions with Somalia. In an interview with VOA, Youssouf revealed that Djibouti is waiting for Ethiopia’s decision regarding the management and use of the Tojorah port located in northern Djibouti.
This port is proposed as an alternative sea route for landlocked Ethiopia, which relies heavily on neighboring countries for its trade. Youssouf remarked, “The proposal is still up for discussion. By providing Ethiopia with a northern port for economic usage, we hope to ease tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia.” He further noted that if approved, the agreement could lead to collaborative projects enhancing both nations’ economies.
Somalia, meanwhile, has expressed a willingness to grant Ethiopia commercial access to its waters but has categorically ruled out military support. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that Ethiopia’s access should be akin to agreements enjoyed by other landlocked nations, such as Rwanda and Uganda’s access to Tanzanian waters. “We are willing to grant Ethiopians commercial access if they so desire. However, there won’t be a naval facility,” Mohamud stressed.
Djibouti initially presented the port plan in July 2024, but as of now, Ethiopian officials have not provided any formal feedback. Djibouti, strategically located along the Red Sea-Gulf of Aden corridor, is crucial due to its susceptibility to security threats from militants and piracy. The country hosts military installations for several major international powers, including the United States, France, Italy, Japan, and China.
Tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia have escalated since Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland in January 2024, granting Ethiopia maritime access and a military facility in exchange for potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Somalia’s objections to this agreement have further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.