Macron Backs Ethiopia-Somalia Talks on Red Sea Access
During a one-day visit to Addis Ababa, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access through peace negotiations. While in the Horn of Africa country, Macron praised the Turkish-brokered Ankara Declaration, which reaffirmed the sovereignty of Ethiopia and Somalia and marked February as the start of technical negotiations on Ethiopia’s sea access. The breakthrough comes after a year-long dispute over a deal between Addis Ababa and Hargeisa that would see Ethiopia recognize Somaliland as an independent state in exchange for maritime rights. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, criticized the deal and accused Ethiopia of violating its sovereignty. During the visit, Macron emphasized France’s willingness to help Ethiopia obtain seaside access through international legal channels. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed highlighted strengthening ties between the two countries and France’s role in promoting Red Sea passage.
source: Voice of America News
