Day: February 18, 2025

Addressing Somali Concerns Over Ankara Talks & Puntland’s Stance

By Warsame Digital Media | February 18, 2025

Growing anxiety among Somalis over recent negotiations between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly regarding the Ankara Declaration and Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access, underscores the need for a unified and transparent diplomatic strategy. These concerns are amplified by Puntland State, a critical stakeholder in Somalia’s federal structure, which has voiced objections to the Ankara process over fears of marginalization and threats to Somalia’s territorial integrity. Below are actionable steps to safeguard Somalia’s sovereignty, address Puntland’s grievances, and ensure inclusive representation in high-stakes talks:

1. Ensure National Unity and Federal Inclusion

  • Immediate Action: Expand the Somali delegation to include representatives from federal member states, particularly Puntland, whose strategic coastal interests are directly impacted. Embed technical experts in international law, maritime boundaries, and regional security to counterbalance Ethiopia’s geopolitical leverage.
  • Long-Term Measure: Formalize a permanent intergovernmental committee comprising federal and state-level leaders to oversee all negotiations affecting national sovereignty.

2. Prioritize Transparency and Public Trust

  • Conduct nationwide consultations with civil society, clan elders, and regional governments to unify Somalia’s position. Publicly share the government’s red lines (e.g., no territorial concessions, upholding UNCLOS maritime laws).
  • Issue regular updates via a dedicated portal to dispel rumors and affirm Somalia’s commitment to its constitutional principles.

3. Address Puntland’s Specific Concerns

  • Acknowledge Puntland’s historic role in stabilizing Somalia and countering extremism. Guarantee its inclusion in Ankara Declaration follow-up talks, especially on issues impacting its coastline and resources.
  • Reject any agreements that bypass federal consensus, reinforcing Article 54 of Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, which mandates federal oversight on international treaties.

4. Mobilize Regional and International Backing

  • Rally support from the African Union (AU), Arab League, and Turkey to uphold Somalia’s sovereignty under international law. Highlight Ethiopia’s potential violation of AU principles on border integrity.
  • Partner with Egypt, Eritrea, and other Nile Basin states wary of Ethiopian expansionism to build a united diplomatic front.

5. Prepare Legal and Diplomatic Safeguards

  • Commission a UNCLOS-compliant maritime boundary review to preempt disputes. If Ethiopia escalates its claims, pursue arbitration at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or UN Security Council.
  • Draft contingency sanctions legislation targeting entities that undermine Somalia’s territorial sovereignty.

6. Invest in Diplomatic Capacity

  • Train Somali diplomats in multilateral negotiation tactics and maritime law, prioritizing talent from coastal states like Puntland.
  • Establish a Horn of Africa Policy Institute to generate data-driven strategies for future negotiations.

Conclusion: Unity as a Non-Negotiable Priority

Somalia’s fragility demands that Mogadishu and federal states like Puntland present a cohesive front. By centering transparency, legal rigor, and inclusive dialogue, Somalia can resist external pressures while rebuilding domestic trust. The Ankara process must not become a pretext for division but a catalyst for reinforcing Somalia’s indivisible sovereignty.

Warsame Digital Media advocates for Somali-led solutions grounded in constitutionalism and equity.

Key Points:

  1. Explicit Acknowledgment of Puntland: Directly addresses its grievances and integrates its representation into the strategy.
  2. Stronger Legal Frameworks: Emphasizes UNCLOS and ICJ mechanisms to counter Ethiopian claims.
  3. Domestic Transparency Measures: Proposes concrete tools (e.g., public portals) to rebuild trust.
  4. Regional Coalition-Building: Aligns Somalia with regional actors opposed to Ethiopian overreach.
  5. Constitutional Safeguards: Cites Article 54 to justify federal-state collaboration on treaties.