The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) has deployed former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo to prevent potential conflict escalation between Somalia and Ethiopia. The tension between the two countries increased after the secessionist region of Somaliland signed an agreement with Ethiopia on January 1, granting Ethiopia control over a maritime port and a military base on the Red Sea. This move has led to increased strain in relations between the two neighboring countries, with Somalia expressing readiness for war.
Ethiopia and Somalia have a history of disputes and recent developments have created a delicate geopolitical situation. Somaliland hopes that by allowing Ethiopia access to its territory, it will gain recognition as an independent state, a claim it has asserted since breaking away from Somalia in 1991.
This task is challenging for Obasanjo as he undertakes negotiation efforts to ease tensions and find a diplomatic resolution to the current crisis. The Peace and Security Council has urged Ethiopia and Somalia to adhere to AU and international law principles in their bilateral relations. However, Somalia has declared that it is unwilling to engage in discussions with Ethiopia unless the latter reverses its January 1 agreement with Somaliland.