SOMALIA, ETHIOPIA REACH HISTORIC DEAL TO RESOLVE PORT DISPUTE
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recently traveled to Ankara for a third round of talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in the quest to end the acrimonious dispute between their two countries over a planned Ethiopian port in breakaway Somaliland. The shuttle diplomacy proved to be a success, and a historic agreement was announced following talks hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two states agreed to respect each other's sovereignty and work toward mutually acceptable arrangements that allow Ethiopia access to the sea under Somali sovereignty. The agreement reflects Turkey’s growing clout as a geopolitical player in the Horn of Africa. (Reuters, December 10, 2024; BBC, December 12, 2024 )
ECOWAS ADVANCES UNITY WITH $15.6 BILLION COASTAL HIGHWAY PROJECT…
A grand infrastructure transport project has now become the focus for regional integration by West African leaders and a counter to the recent departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The ambitious plan will see the construction of a 1,028km coastal highway linking major cities from Abidjan in Ivory Coast through to Lagos in Nigeria, and is expected to be completed by 2030. The entire project, valued at $15.6 billion, aims to accelerate trade, improve governance, and create up to 70,000 jobs. Alongside the highway, a new rail line is also set to connect port cities along the Gulf of Guinea, improving regional connectivity and competitiveness. (BBC, December 15, 2024)
…AND SETS EXIT DEADLINE FOR NIGER, MALI, AND BURKINA FASO
Meanwhile, ECOWAS has approved a formal exit timeline for Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, almost a year after its efforts to prevent their departure from the bloc failed. The military juntas leading the three nations announced their decision to leave the bloc back in January, accusing ECOWAS of punitive sanctions and failing to address their respective security crises. Since then, the three nations have largely resisted ECOWAS’ attempts to reverse their withdrawal, and have started to form their own alliance. As part of that restructuring, the countries plan to maintain visa-free access for other West African citizens, they reserve the right to refuse entry to certain ECOWAS nationals.
The shift represents a significant test for ECOWAS, whose membership is experiencing the deepest divisions since the bloc’s inception in 1975. Analysts say that the readmission of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso into ECOWAS is unlikely, as the restoration of democracy is a condition of their readmission, and none of the three military juntas have promised such a step. (Associated Press, December 15, 2024)
UN LAUNCHES NEW EFFORT TO BREAK LIBYA'S ELECTION IMPASSE
The United Nations is making a fresh attempt to get Libya out of its election impasse by forming a technical committee of experts to address contentious electoral issues and move the North African country closer to long overdue national elections. The country's political process has been stalled since a vote planned for December 2021 collapsed amid bitter disputes over candidate eligibility. The new committee will study solutions for outstanding issues in electoral laws and propose a timeframe for elections, as well as assurances that could be made to ensure progress. The situation remains fragile, with the government of Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah confronted by a parliament that no longer considers it legitimate, and many Libyans skeptical of the current political process. The UN also intends to unify Libya’s military and security institutions, advance national reconciliation, end impunity, and foster economic growth. (Voice of America, December 15, 2024)
RWANDA-CONGO PEACE TALKS COLLAPSE
Planned peace talks between Congo and Rwanda aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo have been abruptly canceled. The meeting, scheduled to commence in Angola, was called off after Rwanda's delegation refused to participate. The disagreement stemmed from Rwanda's demand for direct dialogue between Congo and the M23 rebel group, which Congo rejected. Rwanda insists on the importance of these talks, while Congo maintains its refusal to engage M23. The group, one of many armed groups fighting in the resource-rich region, has been accused by Congo and the UN of receiving Rwandan backing. Despite a ceasefire agreement in July, fighting continues, and recent violence, including the killing of 12 civilians by M23 rebels, has further strained relations between the two countries. (Associated Press, December 15, 2024)
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