Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s official visit to Addis Ababa marks 100 years of formal diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Ethiopia. But analysts say the trip is about much more than celebrating history.
During the visit, Erdogan met Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and the two countries signed new agreements covering trade, aviation, technology, and development cooperation.
However, the timing of the visit is especially important. The Horn of Africa is currently facing rising tensions linked to maritime access, regional rivalries, and competition from global powers. Erdogan stressed that the region should not become a battleground for foreign interests and warned against adding new conflicts to an already unstable area.
A key issue is Somalia’s territorial integrity. Türkiye has long supported Somalia, especially after Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland raised fresh concerns about regional stability. Ethiopia’s earlier agreement with Somaliland to gain access to the Gulf of Aden also increased tensions with Mogadishu.
Experts say Türkiye is trying to play a balancing and mediating role. In 2024, Ankara helped ease tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, reinforcing its image as a diplomatic actor seeking stability rather than confrontation.
Beyond politics, both Turkish and Ethiopian academics highlighted deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, dating back centuries — far beyond the formal diplomatic mission Türkiye opened in Ethiopia in 1926. In cities like Harar, some families trace their ancestry to Ottoman-era connections.
Analysts also point to Ethiopia’s strategic importance: with a population of over 130 million and proximity to the Red Sea corridor, it plays a central role in African and global maritime routes. The region has become increasingly crowded with global powers seeking military and economic influence.
According to observers, Erdogan’s visit sends a broader message — not only about bilateral cooperation, but about Türkiye’s ambition to support a more balanced, multipolar global system. Scholars argue that long-term stability in the Horn of Africa will depend on sovereign equality, constructive diplomacy, and development partnerships rather than rivalry.
In short, the visit reflects Türkiye’s effort to strengthen historic ties with Ethiopia while positioning itself as a stabilising force in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions.
SOURCE: TRT AFRICA
